ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, December 20, 1995 TAG: 9512210038
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG
SOURCE: CHAD WILLIS STAFF WRITER
Curtis Carter may not be an artist in the generally accepted sense of the word, but as a personal trainer, it isn't too far-fetched to say he's a sculptor of physiques.
Carter, a board certified trainer for the past three years, does his specialized work at Curtis Carter's Personal Training, which operates out of The Weight Club in Blacksburg's University Mall.
"The most important role of a trainer is to give people the correct information about weight training and a good diet," Carter said. "A lot of people try without success to teach themselves, and that's where a trainer can really help."
Carter is assisted by a staff of four. Sessions are priced at $18 each. Contracts for different numbers of sessions are available. Justify the expense on grounds of the long-term health benefits, Carter said.
Athletes of every ability level now are bigger, faster, and stronger than their counterparts of as little as two decades ago. The difference is weight training and proper diet, Carter said.
"Just take a look at Karl Malone and Charles Barkley, and then compare them to Wilt Chamberlin,'' he said. ``You can see just how far things have come."
Members of Carter's clientele may not be interested or even capable of refining their abilities to the degree of a professional-grade athlete. Anybody can improve his level of fitness in order to be able to enjoy sports for a lifetime though, Carter said.
"It's important for a lot of people to increase their strength and flexibility so they can enjoy playing a particular sport without running the risk of injury," Carter said. "Our oldest client is 64 years old and he is in excellent condition."
David Chapman, a Blacksburg businessman, enlisted Carter's help because he wanted to increase his flexibility and strength. Both are key factors in golf, Chapman's favorite sport.
"I play a lot of golf, and I felt like I needed to increase my strength and expand my exercise routine," Chapman said. "Since I have been working with Curtis, I have seen a striking improvement in my game and my personal health."
Personal trainers provide not only advice but inspiration. To anyone who has ever paid top dollar to jump on then fall off the fitness bandwagon, Carter has this to say:
"A lot of times a client may lack a little motivation, and a trainer can help with that, as well as provide knowledge about technique and the importance of a good diet."
LENGTH: Medium: 56 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: ALAN KIM/Staff. Personal trainer Curtis Carter helpsby CNBDavid Chapman of Blacksburg improve his form on the pectoral
muscle-building machine. color.