Dave Shanahan; Athletic Director, Elwood School District…
“Jim Fanara does a great job of communicating with athletes and their parents so that everyone is on the same page. Jim goes above and beyond in addressing all types of injury recovery.
Jim most recently worked with my daughter who was recovering from ACL surgery. When she was released by her Doctor to return to play, we quickly realized that she was not fully recovered. In order to address the gap of not being fully recovered my wife and I enlisted the help of Jim. Jim spent an additional two months strengthening and working on my daughter's range of motion. My daughter found the two months with Jim Fanara to be very beneficial in making a full recovery from ACL Surgery.
Additionally, besides my daughter other students/athletes have been recommended to Jim and they find him to be knowledgeable and hard working. He works hard to provide the best care possible.”
Scott Wallace; Head Coach Girls Soccer, Harborfields High School…
As a veteran high school soccer and club coach, I have seen first hand the increase in major injuries to my athletes, particularly ACLinjuries. I met Jim Fanara and ISSC when he was working with one of my top players post ACL surgery as he was bridging the gap between when physical therapy ends and before the athlete can return to play. In that time, we established a working relationship where we coordinated on a weekly basis to insure the athlete a safe return to training and eventually games. Since then, he has worked with several more of both my players and other athletes at my school and all have made a very successful return to play with his help. I
have had the opportunity to tour Jim's facilities and discuss his philosophy, vision, and goals. He is highly knowledgeable, well organized, and, most importantly, he cares deeply about the physical and psychological well being of the athletes he works with. I would send my own daughters to Jim and will continue to recommend ISSC to all my athletes.
Tom McGrath…
“A huge thank you to Inner Strength Sports Conditioning and Jim Fanara! We brought our son to Inner Strength Sports Conditioning based on the recommendation of his Orthopedist.
It was the best decision we made in treating his acute knee and shin pain. The head trainer, Jim Fanara, provided an excellent assessment of my son’s movement issues and developed a rehabilitation program to get him quickly and safely back on the field.
Jim also developed a comprehensive preventative program to strengthen and improve my son’s movement mechanics which helped avoid future injuries and improve his performance on the field. Thanks to Jim and his amazing skills my son is playing collegiate level lacrosse!”
Kevin Carroll; Head Football Coach, Albuquerque Academy…
"For several years we were losing a couple of players each season from non-contact knee injuries. Guys blowing out their ACLs and MCLs making cuts while running pass patterns or performing agility drills. In December of 2015, Jim Fanara addressed our school's entire coaching staff and athletic trainers on training athletes for non-contact injury prevention. In the morning, he gave an informative visual presentation while fielding questions on various areas of concern. Mr. Fanara then spent the afternoon demonstrating various exercises in the weight room for our coaches and athletes.
During the past two years we incorporated much of what Mr. Fanara taught that day into our in-season dynamic warm-ups and our off-season strength-training sessions. I'm pleased to report that we have sustained no non-contact knee injuries during either the 2016 or 2017 seasons. Furthermore, both our girls' basketball and soccer coaches have seen the same results from Mr. Fanara's teachings.”
Liz Cattogio…
"Inner Strength Sports Conditioning completely exceeded my expectations. Jim had the perfect approach to encourage and challenge my skeptical teenager, whose workouts have delivered results not only physically but mentally as well.
After an initial physical evaluation, we were provided with an impressive, detailed assessment and overall fitness plan. A real game changer for my son, Jim provides the perfect combination of patience and drive. Also, the diverse training methods keep my teen engaged and motivated to continue. I highly recommend Jim and Inner Strength Sports Conditioning!”
Frank; Educator, Coach, Parent of a Current College-Athlete…
"There is nothing more important than teaching student-athletes proper form, approach and mindset. Jim does this in a way that will foster long-term success and enjoyment in weight-training. In my twenty-plus years working with high school students, I have not found a better person to introduce weight-training in a truly holistic way. I cannot recommend him highly enough..."
Cris E. Zenobio…
“I had the pleasure of meeting Jim and Jimmy when my son was in his Junior year in high school. We were exploring weight training programs because he had decided he wanted to pursue playing lacrosse in college. As a former player myself, I understood what it would take to make this a reality. After meeting Jim and discussing his philosophy, I felt that working with Jim provided my son with the best chance to prepare him for the rigors of college lacrosse. My son gained strength, speed, and flexibility but I believe the best things he gained was his confidence and an understanding of the right lifting techniques which he uses today.”
Connor Mayette; Western Connecticut State Lacrosse…
My time spent with ISSC has pushed my game and abilities as an athlete to another level. Jim Fanara knows the ins and the outs of strength training and getting the body to work at its peak performance. There is no other place I’d rather train. Thanks to Jim’s first class knowledge, I am reaching my athletic potential and enjoying great personal relationships.
Lisa Kowalchuk…
“We've been taking our children to Jim for a few years now. Both my boys are athletically challenged and have flexibility problems. Jim devised a plan that helps build up their confidence and strength. Over the years, I have heard my boys say that when they're struggling with different issues that look forward to a training session with Jim. He truly is a gem.”
Sarah Tella…
“I went to Inner Strength Sports Conditioning after being on crutches for 7 months with a broken ankle. Jim worked with me one on one and put together a program that enabled me to regain strength and balance in both legs. He is extremely knowledgeable about the correct way to move, exercise and stretch. I was able to use what I learned at ISSC to continual build strength and to return to all of my physical activities”.
Linda Taurassi…
I am an adult woman in my 60's who began training with Jim about a year ago, after having suffered back and shoulder injuries brought on by improper training methods. Jim is very knowledgeable about the body and has been teaching me correct ways of working out without injury. Utilizing his training methods has greatly enhanced my workout experience.
Under Jim's supervision my body has been steadily healing and strengthening and I'm happy to say I have been able to once again enjoy a full workout routine, injury free. I would highly recommend Jim to anyone, young or old, who is looking for injury free athletic performance.
Harry Hessel…
I was working with Jim for personal training for a several months and was happy with the results I was seeing. When I mentioned I was getting a knee replacement he said we could try prehab. I hadn't heard of that before, but it sounded like a good thing to try. We went to work on it for a few weeks leading up to the surgery, and I was glad I did it. I feel like I am way ahead of where I would be had I not.
Both my Surgeon and my Physical Therapist have said this was a good thing to do. It has definitely put my recovery way ahead of where it would be had I not done this.
Bart Mallio…
“Jim Fanara has helped my overall flexibility and core strength, and restored all mobility and feeling in my left leg following a severe bout of sciatica. Integrating Jim’s routines and exercises into my daily routine is improving my health and comfort, which is critical as I enter my later 50’s.”