Our member Ozzie Hyppolite competed last month in the 2014 USAPL NJ State Powerlifting Championships.  After a hard-fought battle among the top lifters in the 181lb Open division, Ozzie placed second out of 11 lifters in the division with a total just 5lb behind the first-place finisher.  Ozzie totaled 1,284lb with a 447lb squat, a 331lb bench press, and a 507lb deadlift.  Ozzie's bench press was a New York State record!  Great lifting, Ozzie!

When Whippany Athletic Club member Dan Blumenfeld took the stage last month in the Over 50 Division at the NPC NJ State Bodybuilding Championship, few in the audience suspected the incredible journey that brought him there. Just a few years ago the competitor with this impressive physique (see photo) was an out of shape 275 pounds, and could not walk a block without stopping to rest. Dan, himself a practicing physician, discovered he had coronary artery disease and underwent open heart surgery and many months of rehab and recovery. Determined to turn his life around, Dan dropped 70 pounds and began serious bodybuilding training. Working with Whippany Athletic Club trainer Frank Stinson, himself an IFBB professional bodybuilder and pro heavyweight champion, Dan began packing on the muscle. Even the setback of a hernia operation earlier in the year could not deter Dan from competing. He is an inspiration to his fans, who look forward to cheering “Dr. Dan” in his next show this fall.

Kathie White competed last week in the 2014 USAPL Raw National Championships in Denver, Colorado. She took first place in the 63kg M3b (age 65 – 69) division with a squat of 187lb, a bench press of 137lb, and a deadlift of 270lb for a total of 595lb. Her bench press, deadlift and total were American records and personal bests! Thanks to Southern Mike for his help in preparing for and at the meet. Kathie’s results should qualify her for a place on the US team at the 2015 IPF Raw Classics Powerlifting Championships to be held in Finland in June.

Our member Erica Marta competed recently in the 2014 John Kemper Classic in the bikini division. This was her first show. Erica looked great (check out her competition pictures) and is eager to enter another show later this year! Way to go, Erica! Congratulations also to Chris Lentino, who trained Erica for the show.

We've been recognized as a USAPL Friendly Gym by USA Powerlifting, the pre-eminent powerlifting federation in the United States. We're overjoyed to have this recognition! Powerlifters, come check us out!

Nicole Sandomenico and Jodi Tolomieri of Whippany Athletic Club competed in late January at the 2014 Revolution Powerlifting Syndicate (RPS) North American & New Jersey State Championships in Newark, New Jersey. Both competed in Raw Classic divisions, which permit no supportive gear except a belt. Nicole, in her first powerlifting meet, placed first in the Raw Classic 123 Open and Submaster divisions with a 175lb squat, a 110lb bench and a 275lb deadlift for a total of 560lb. All of her lifts were RPS New Jersey records for the Raw Classic 123 Submaster division, and her deadlift was a Raw Classic 123 Open New Jersey record and a Raw Classic 123 Submaster world record! Congratulations, Nicole! Jodi placed first in the Raw Classic 220 Junior division with a 475lb squat, a 365lb bench and a 575lb deadlift for a total of 1415lb. His lifts were all RPS New Jersey records for the Raw Classic 220 Junior division! Great lifting, Jodi! Thanks to Ray Padilla for his help in preparing for and at the meet and to Southern Mike for helping Jodi prepare for the meet. (Photo shows Nicole, Ray and Ryan Celaj, another lifter coached by Ray).

PRO Physical Therapy, LLC, with its main office in Randolph NJ, has opened a second clinic in our facility.  PRO Physical Therapy is a comprehensive outpatient orthopedic sports medicine clinic that focuses on outstanding quality patient care and personal attention.

Jodi DeVincentis, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS is owner and president of PRO Physical Therapy, LLC. She has a clinical doctorate in physical therapy (DPT) from Rutgers University and is also a board certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) through the American Physical Therapy Association.  In addition she is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) and works with various sports teams, particularly soccer.

For more information, see their website at www.proptnj.com.  Check out PRO Physical Therapy for state-of-the-art physical therapy and rehabilitation programs!