Jenny Ingarra, Instructor
Like many college students I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I received my B.S. in Biology from Sacred Heart University in 2004. From there I ventured into the animal science field where I did field research of the Desert Tortoise, working for U.S. Fish and Wildlife, living right outside of Las Vegas making $60 a week, yes I said week! Needless to say, I went broke and moved back east to Kingston, New York with my parents. There was a course at the Community College to become a Certified Personal Trainer. I have been an athlete since I was a little kid so I have always enjoyed exercise. Some may call me a freak for that! Anyway, I made the choice to pursue a career in a field that I already enjoy. I am truly blessed to do something I love.
I have been working as a Certified Fitness Specialist since 2006. My Certification is through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). My experience has ranged from coaching young female athletes in soccer and lacrosse to running a Wellness Center with emphasis on training individuals with chronic illnesses in Western Massachusetts to running my own personal training business to teaching group classes and bootcamps, TRX classes to helping people rehabilitate an injury with the help from my additional Certifications in Functional Movement Screening and Kinesio Taping. My knowledge in the health risk or special population field started when I tore my ACL. I have had 4 knee surgeries and to this day I still don't have an ACL in my knee. I didn't want to believe that I could never exercise they way I used to so I was forced to learn how to maintain my injury. Through stability work, specific strengthening, diligent stretching routine, consistent massage therapy work and chiropractic maintenance I have come to the point where I can run a 5k pain free (most of the time) without that major ligament in my knee. Because of my personal journey through this I have compassion for those that suffer from an injury and I can help people overcome it. I am a feisty little Italian and I will fight to help a person overcome their limitations. It can be done. Sometimes you just need a little motivation and encouragement.
Exercise should not be looked at as a chore. It should be part of your lifestyle. Exercise is essential not only to our survival but to our quality of life and wellbeing. It is hard to get motivated, I know it is, but if you are in the right hands it will benefit you in ways you never thought it could, I guarantee it!
My job is one of those jobs I just feel good doing. It is rewarding when I motivate people to get healthier and getting them to feel good about themselves while reaching their fitness goals. If I instill a little confidence in one person even for one day then it is worth it to me as a trainer. That's me and I'm sticking to it! :))