Ribbon cut at Back 2 Basics Fitness
PUNXSUTAWNEY — If you’re looking to get in shape, a trainer here in Punxsutawney may be the answer to your problem.
Francis Catalano, Back 2 Basics certified personal trainer, said that he can help you on an individual basis. The Punxsutawney Area Chamber of Commerce helped cut the ribbon at his new business, located upstairs at 117 E. Mahoning St., Suite C, Punxsutawney, over the weekend.
“We’re starting out small, and I kind of like the setting where I can work one-on-one, training an individual,” Catalano said, adding that clients seem to like it as well.
He said he doesn’t need a whole lot of space.
“Everything we can do to get healthy can be done right in this space,” Catalano said. “I not only push the weights, I help them make behavior changes, nutrition, make sure they’re eating right.”
Catalano said his journey began over three years ago when he was at “rock bottom” — incarcerated in state prison.
“I got into (fitness) in state prison about three years ago. I started to dedicate myself where I said I want to become a healthy person and live a normal, clean, sober, productive life,” Catalano said. “I began a strict regimen of five days a week. I actually trained with some guys in prison who said I should be a trainer, and I made the decision to do just that because I was training guys in there.”
Catalano came home and made the decision to get certified through American Council of Exercise.
“I just finally received the certification in December, and here we are in May, the business
is off the ground, I’ve been operating since the beginning of February,” Catalano said.
He said anyone who’d like to get on board with him can do so at 412-5985900 or on Facebook at Back2BasicFitness.
“I always like to meet the client first, assess them a little bit to see where they’re at as far as levels and things like that and make sure that I can help them,” he said.
His studio is located above the Vendor Mall at 117 E. Mahoning St., Suite C, Punxsutawney.
“Climbing the steps is the first phase of your training,” Catalano laughed.
He also does group Boot Camp fitness classes at the Punxsutawney Area Community Center and in Barclay Square.
“Special thanks to all my family and friends, as well as the Punxsutawney community, for all the love and support,” Catalano said. “Believe in your dreams and they will come true.”