More than ten years ago, a high school wrestling injury forced George Tsemberlis to decide between reparative vertebrae surgery or to exercise to strengthen the area. "I chose to learn as much as I can about exercise and strength training from that point on," said the founder of GT Fitness Concepts and gtfitnessconcepts.com.

Today, Tsemberlis trains clients out of two local facilities: Hard Bodyz Fitness in Verona, and Body & Soul Personal Trainers in Little Falls. Partnered with trainer and certified nutritionist Ivy Abrahams, Tsemberlis is able to cater to clients who need nutritional counseling and those who prefer a female trainer.

In collaboration with Bloomfield Total Health Center, a chiropractic and physical therapy office, GT Fitness Concepts refers clients with lower back problems or joint issues to be examined by a specialist before beginning an exercise program.

Among its services, GT Fitness Concepts offers in-home training, small group training, pre- and post-natal programs, as well as sports specific training, to residents in most towns in Essex and Passaic counties. Tsemberlis trains up to 25 clients at a time, but he says small group or one-on-one training sessions allow for better attention to individual needs.

Tsemberlis' training philosophy is simple: "[I am] constantly changing the workouts to keep the clients interested and to make sure they are continuing to reach their goals," he said. "I try to meet with clients every four weeks to check their body fat percentage and to discuss new goals for the next 4-8 weeks. If the client has not met their goals, then I will look at what is missing to help to make the changes in their program so the next evaluation is successful."

For those looking to make a lifestyle change, Tsemberlis said, "Getting back in shape is 80 percent mental and 20 percent physical. If you are not mentally prepared for the hard work and discipline needed to reach your goals, then the client is wasting their time and money."

Tsemberlis said personal training best benefits individuals who need that extra push to reach their fitness goals. "Most of my clients tell me that if they didn't have me waiting for them at the studio or gym they would never make it out of bed or go straight after work to the gym."

In January, GT Fitness Concepts will offer a boot camp program, at the new 8,000 square foot Body & Soul Personal Training Studio, opening in Cedar Grove. During the winter, the indoor boot camp will involve calisthenics, kickboxing, free weights, kettle bells, and circuit training. The 5:30 a.m. classes will be held three times a week, with more classes added upon need. The facility, which offers a one-acre field, will allow for sports specific camps and outdoor boot camps, beginning in the spring.