ABOUT PHATBURN: The Team

Our Experts

Shawn Smith – PhatBurn Workout Creator & Head Trainer

About three years ago I was overweight, overworked, and overeating! It wasn’t until I stepped on the scale that I even realized I needed to make a change in my life. I started out with simple exercises, and I struggled to even do a few push-ups. I couldn’t remember exercise being that hard, and since I had always been an athlete, becoming overweight seemed impossible to me. One month into my fitness training, I began to feel the benefits of my hard work. I was hooked. I had more energy, increased endurance, and seemed to be so much more focused. I was able to think clearer and no longer dreaded waking up for my morning jog. I knew right away that this was a feeling I wanted to share with as many people as I could. I wanted to know everything about fitness and so I began taking all types of classes. I took pilates, yoga, strength training and muscle endurance classes. I love the different aspects of each workout, and the challenges they present. I quickly began putting together my own routines, combing the best and challenging moves from each with a twist of my own. It wasn’t until I met up with Paul Wintergerst and Mario Trotta, the owners of PhatBurn, that my dreams came true. Now I have the opportunity to share my knowledge and passion about fitness in a class setting.

 

Andrew – Trainer
(NSCA Certified w/ a degree in Exercise Science)

I enjoyed playing sports growing up, so exercise and staying in shape has always been a part of my life. I went to high school at Iona Prep where I played soccer and ran track and field. From there, I graduated from the University of Scranton with a degree in exercise science. I am also a certified strength and conditioning specialist (NSCA). Exercise is great for all its physical and health benefits, but I find it’s a great way to clear my head and improve my mental state. Working out gives you an awesome feeling of satisfaction if you give it everything you’ve got and push yourself to the max. To me, the feeling of accomplishment after any workout is always worth it. Aside from being a trainer at Phatburn, I work at a physical therapy clinic where I train post-rehab patients. I love being able to work with others and helping them in any way I can to accomplish their goals. It’s my job to push and motivate you along the way, but it’s your job to show up and give me everything you’ve got. Get off your butt and just do it. See you in class.

Chef Irena Shnayder

Irena Shnayder is a food and nutrition specialist with a solid understanding of how food and nutrition relate to the health and well-being of people.  She completed her didactic program and holds a Master of Science degree in Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics from New York University.  Irena completed her dietetic internship in Chicago, Illinois which included a concentration in sports nutrition.   She also holds Master of Gastronomy certification from the Ritz Escoffier Culinary School in Paris, France.  Irena has worked under the direction of top New York City chefs and is passionate about teaching, promoting and transforming traditional fare into delicious and healthy food offerings.

As a result of her own experiences with experimenting with fad diets, and their inevitable failure, she has been greatly inspired to educate others on the importance of choosing the best foods for long term healthy eating habits.  Irena’s goal is to transform calorie rich foods to healthy delicious meals without losing any flavor and incorporating the freshest produce seasonally available.

Paul – Phounder & Participant

I have been a fitness enthusiast my whole life. From playing high school football to competing in track & field at Villanova University, training has always been a part of my daily routine. There is nothing more satisfying then adding a great workout to make any day feel more accomplished. For the past 10 years I have been a trader and partner of a hedge fund in Stamford CT.  I know how hard it is to stay physically active with a full time job. I used to  work all hours of the day and night from 9 am sometimes until 3 or 4 in the morning.  The need to train, shop, cook and prepare meals on top of a busy schedule was increasingly overwhelming. I know the program we have put together will compliment any working professional who wants to stay in shape but doesn’t have the time to make it their top priority. You concentrate on your life and let PhatBurn handle your fitness and nutrition  goals.  In 60 days you will be in the the best shape of your life and see a drastic change in the way you look and feel. The difference between a GOAL and a DREAM is a DEADLINE…yours is 60 days Let’s go!

Mario Trotta – Phounder & Participant
We guess he has a similar story to most.  He always wanted to look better than he did but it always seemed like too much effort and time was needed. Instead of doing sit-ups or running he would buy larger clothes. Instead of eating healthy and working out, he would take pills.

Sound Familiar?
It wasn’t until the summer of 2011 and a 38 waist that he decided he needed a change, a big one. Then as luck would have it, he bumped into Shawn Smith. After seeing his transformation and hearing his story, his passion infected him. Finally, something fueled his desire to get into shape. Shawn told Mario that exercise wasn’t enough.  He needed to make a complete lifestyle change and really learn how the body works. To Mario’s surprise, there was nothing out there being offered to help him understand exercise, dieting and nutrition. The concept was born, and with the help of family and friends Mario, Paul and Shawn launched a pilot group. The results were nothing short of amazing. They had created an atmosphere that took failing out of the equation by providing every aspect necessary during the process. “Everyone should experience the incredible transformation I’ve undergone. I finally feel great and plan to get to 10% body fat within the next few months” say Mario.  Check back any time to track his results.

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.”