Welcome Mary to PTU

PTU welcomes Mary Marino to the front office staff. Mary was born in New Braunfels but finished high school in New York. Upon graduating, she decided to stay in New York and attended Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie where she studied business administration and billing. "I worked in billing for a while but then I got an opportunity to do case management in social work so I was doing that before moving to Texas," said Mary.

With three daughters, Mary decided she wanted to move back to New Braunfels to be near her family. She and daughters Jacqueline 14, Jolie 6 and Janna 4 have been back for about a month. "Although it only took a month to find this position, it felt like it was a year," said Mary. "I'm excited to be a part of PTU and I'm anxious to learn more."

Although Mary will miss the great New York hiking trails and the colors of the fall, she looks forward to working and raising her children in New Braunfels.

PTU Golf Team

The PTU Golf Team picked up their sticks and played in the Vaaler Creek monthly golf tournament in August. The four-man team consisted of PTU's owner Robert Rodriguez, PTU's Canyon Lake therapist Dustin Cross, PTU's Golf Fitness Assistant Greg Pierson and PTU's Construction Manager Kurt Muniz. Greg Pierson is back from a serious surgery in May to fuse several vertebra. "My game is not completely back but it's getting there," said Greg.

Although it was a very hot day, the steady breeze made the weather a bit more tolerable. The team withstood the heat, played very consistently and shot 12 under par. They narrowly missed first place by less than two strokes in the 16-team "Captain's Choice" tournament.

The highlight of PTU's tournament was Robert's 180 yard shot to the green that led to an eagle on a par 5. Not to mention Kurt's closest to the pin win on a par 3.

"There was a good crowd and it was a very well organized tournament," said Robert. "We will definitely be back."

The team left with gift certificates to Vaaler Creek's pro shop and an enjoyable day on the course.

Therapists Continually Strive for Knowledge

PTU Owner/Director Robert Rodriguez and PTU Canyon Lake Director Dustin Cross continually work towards keeping apprised of the newest and latest techniques in physical rehabilitation.

They both just completed a course in San Antonio called the "Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy: Practical Management of the Patient with Dizziness and Balance Dysfunction."

They reviewed the anatomy and physiology of the vestibular and balance systems. They performed detailed examinations and combined with patient history, they identified specific features of vestibular disorders and non-vestibular dizzines. Robert and Dustin also practiced prescribing rehab programs for vestibular dysfunction.

Overall they received an excellent review of vestibular rehab therapy and will put that knowledge to work at PTU.

"It was good to have a refresher course in that area of physical rehab. There's so much to know when dealing with different patients' symptoms and I'm always looking to learn more," said Robert. "It was also great to bump into a fellow therapist I hadn't seen in over 30 years."

Try This! Grilled Chicken Sliders

1 lb. skinless chicken breasts
4 kiwi fruit, peeled and chopped
1 tbs. chopped fresh mint
1 tsp. honey
6 whole wheat cocktail buns, split
3 tbs. honey mustard
12 red apple slices

1)Cut chicken breasts into 6 pieces. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Grill 10-12 minutes or until no longer pink in the center, turn once.

2)Mix kiwi, mint, honey and more salt and pepper. Spread bottom buns with honey mustard and add two apple slices, chicken, kiwi mixture and bun tops. Make 6 mini sliders.

Nutrition: 218 calories
21 g protein
3 g fat
27 g carbs
4 g fiber
59 mg calcium
2 mg iron

Young Guns of PTU

Andrew Clasen is an 18 year old graduate of Clemens High School. He received a baseball scholarship to Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska.

Andrew chose PTU's personalized fitness program to help prepare him for his first year of college baseball. "I was looking for someone who knew exactly what I should do to build muscle and strength specifically for baseball," said Andrew. "After speaking with Bernice, I knew PTU had the program for me."

"Andrew has been working on core exercises, large muscle building and plyometrics to prepare him for the strenuous workouts he will have to do at college," said Bernice Pierson, PTU's personal trainer.

"Bernice guided my workouts, motivated me and also suggested a nutritional program for me to follow," said Andrew. "I have suggested the fitness program at PTU to my fellow athletes."



Payton Mueller is a 17 year old high school senior at New Braunfels High. She is on the varsity golf team and plays in tournaments year round.

Payton trains with Brandon Summerfield at The Bandit Golf Course. "I really like to play at The Bandit," said Payton. "It is a really nice course. But my best round of golf was last summer at Northcliffe when I shot an 81."

Payton plans on playing golf for Shriner University in Kerrville after she graduates from highschool. "I chose Shriner because I like the Kerrville area and a friend of mine from highschool is playing golf there," said Payton.

When asked why she chose PTU's Golf Fitness program she said, "Chad Donegan, the Landa Park Golf Course General Manager, recommended it to me for my overall strength. I'm glad he did so because I really enjoy it and I can tell I've gained strength and flexibility. I also like the massage to loosen up some tight spots in my back."

Golf Fitness Hits a Hole in One!

Jerry Harlan was the first member of the Golf Fitness program and he is still going strong. He has completed 12 weeks in the program and has felt much progress. "The other day I got back on the abdominal machine and I was surprised that the weight I used to do was no longer a challenge," said Jerry.

With the help of the Golf Fitness core specific exercises, Jerry has added club head speed and more distance to the golf ball. Jerry said "I never used to be able to hit the ball over the water on that hole at Landa and now I can do it every time."

Jerry added, "I've lost 5 pounds and my abdominal area looks much better. I know I've gained a lot from the specific workout and motivation I get from the Golf Fitness program."

Specialized Fitness Training For All

Sometimes people need direction or motivation to get their workouts done. Let's face it. There are some many things to get done, that many people make appointments or to-do lists to ensure it all gets accomplished.

Put this on your to-do list...

GET FIT!

Join PTU's Specialized Fitness Training Program and you will be required to attend two fitness appointments per week. Make your health a priority. It is not only a great motivation to get fit, but it is also very affordable!

For only $195 (or 2 payments of $97.50) you will receive:

6 Weeks Gym Membership
12 Fitness Training Appointments
2 Deep Muscle Stimulating Massages
And constant dietary and fitness motivation!

Call Bernice at 830-609-2000 for more information.