About Pinnacle

Chris Gellert, P.T., M.P.T., C.S.C.S., C.P.T. founded Pinnacle Training & Consulting Systems in 2003 with a passionate vision. His vision was to create and provide evidenced based educational material in the form of home study courses,dynamic live seminars and other electronic media that educates personal trainers on key areas that most educational course/certifications are missing. Those being understanding the biomechanics behind movement, functional anatomy and muscle that produce human movement, common movement dysfunctions(orthopedic, neuromuscular, and special populations) and how to train client's post therapy based on science and evidenced based research.

To offer consulting services to private corporations educating them on ergonomics, importance
of proper biomechanical lifting as to reduce work related musculoskeletal disorders(WMSD's) and decrease injuries.

To offer post rehabilitation training, personal training and sports specific training to clients.

Professional Biography

Chris is an licensed physical therapist, a certified strength & conditioning specialist(C.S.C.S.) through the National Strength & Conditioning Association(NSCA)and an experienced certified personal trainer with over 19 years experience as both a practitioner, and as a personal trainer.

Chris has extensive clinical experience having worked with primarily orthopedic patients, various spinal injuries, post-surgical conditions, traumatic and sport specific injuries. He also
has a vast amount of experience with geriatric, neurologic and deconditoned patients while having worked in outpatient, industrial rehabilitation, and private practice settings.

• Master's Degree of Physical Therapy from Nova Southeastern University

• Bachelor's Degree In Marketing from State University of New York College
  at Plattsburgh

• National Fitness Presenter at Club Industry, IDEA, NSCA's National Conferences and TSI Summit

• Continuing Education Provider for ACE, AFLCA, AFAA, CanfitPRO,CPTN, NASM, NCCPT,
  NETA, NSCA, NCSF, and WITS

• Previously on the Editorial Advisory Board for Today in PT magazine

• Consultant for University of Marlyand-Dental School

• He has written and continues to write various articles on health and fitness via the internet such as Personal trainer today.com, AAHF newsletter and soon contributing to Club Industry Magazine.
  He has also written for IDEA Fitness Journal, Men's Fitness, Personal Fitness Professional, Physical Therapy Advance magazine, PTonthenet.com and other health publications.

Certifications

• CEAS (Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist) through Back
  School of Atlanta (2003)

• C.S.C.S.(Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) by N.S.C.A(2002)

• S.C.E.(Strength and Conditioning Expert) through Tudor Bompa, Phd (2002)

• P.P.S.(Periodization Planning Specialist) through Tudor Bompa, Phd (2001)
  one of the world's foremost experts in Periodization Training & Sport Conditioning.

• C.P.T. (Certified Personal Trainer) through A.F.A.A (1996)

One unique quality is that he is both a practicing physical therapist and personal trainer.

He utilizes a strong clinical and functional approach to with each client he trains. He has diverse personal training experiences haven trained clients from aged 12 years old through 75 years of age in NY, Florida, Illinois, California and Maryland. His expertise is in pre/post rehabilitation, core strengthening, sports specific training, and high risk population training.

He will be pursuing an Advanced Master's Degree in Orthopedics and Manual Therapy in 2011 in preparation to become a board certified orthopedic specialist(O.C.S.). Hew will also be pursuing to obtain his Dhsc or Dsc degree and potentially a fellowship with the intent of becoming an expert in assesment and treatment of spinal and movement dysfuntions and in the Spine.

Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (OCS)

The OCS certification was established by the American Physical Therapy Association, to provide formal recognition for physical therapists who possess advanced clinical knowledge, experience, and skills in orthopedic physical therapy.  Achieving orthopedic specialization recognizes that an individual is truly a certified clinical specialist in orthopedics. Less than 2% of physical therapists nationwide have earned this distinction, which recognizes superior skills and knowledge relating to orthopedic physical therapy. All OCS therapists must have at least 5 years of orthopedic practice experience, as well as research and teaching experience. In addition, they must demonstrate thorough knowledge of biomechanics, injuries, and orthopedic evaluation and treatment techniques through a rigorous written examination. This certification is maintained with re-examination every 10 years.  The mission of the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties is to improve public awareness by enhancing clinical excellence in physical therapy practice and promoting the highest possible level of care for individuals seeking physical therapy services in orthopedics.