Eating less and exercising more are probably the top two resolutions on everyone’s list. It’s not always easy to know how to start – and of course, even harder to stick to it – but there are people and places to help you to find a program that works for you. One such place is Foothills Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy.
Itamar Stern is part owner in a number of the 20 statewide Foothills facilities. Itamar can generally be found at the facility at Seventh Street and Glendale, which he refers to as a “neighborhood” location. The clients come from the surrounding North Central neighborhoods, and the facility has a warm, friendly feel. At least once or twice a week a client will bring in homemade baked goods to share or fresh flowers to display, as a way of thanking the affable and gracious staff. The therapists and assistants have a knack for knowing everyone’s name and ailment, whether or not they are assigned to that particular person. There are trivia games put up on the community chalkboard each week, and loud, jovial arguments will sometimes ensue over “correct” answers.
Born and raised in Israel, Itamar received his degree in physical therapy from the University of Tel Aviv, School of Medicine and Asaf Harofe teaching hospital. He began his professional career in an Israeli military clinic. He realized that when working with soldiers, who are highly motivated and fast paced, he was able to develop many creative techniques, a number of which he’s been able to incorporate into his ongoing daily work.
He came to the States in 1988 working in Los Angeles and Santa Monica. While there he worked in the entertainment industry and has photos of himself with Ronald Reagan, Joel Grey, Barbra Streisand and others, which are humbly tucked away in his office. The 1994 Northridge, CA, earthquake, plus a new baby, encouraged Itamar and his wife, Jody, to move to Phoenix; they’ve been here ever since. Jody is also in the fitness business as owner and instructor at The Pilates Body.
Itamar has a booming voice that fills the facility with both warmth and reassurance. Itamar’s son Ari, a 17-year-old senior at Sunnyslope High School, played on the U.S. basketball team in the Israeli Maccabi Games in 2011 and brought home a gold medal. His daughter Ellie, 19, attends the University of California-San Diego, majoring in political science and economics, with her eye toward one day becoming the U.S. Ambassador to Israel.
Foothills provides traditional physical therapy for injuries and post-surgery rehabilitation. The therapists adamantly do not believe in the “no pain, no gain” mantra. They guide and assist their clients, encouraging them to take ownership of their own path to wellness. The rehab center connects to an additional program called FAST: Foothills Acceleration and Sports Training. Generally, young athletes – or athlete wannabes – start with a program like FAST when they’re in middle school or junior high. They’re looking to get themselves in the best possible shape to be able to participate in team sports when they reach the fiercer competition in high school or club teams. “They’re looking to become stronger, faster, better,” says Nate Souza, the assistant sports performance director. “We start with basic strengthening skills and work toward the various specific skills associated with their particular sport.” Nate says the females they work with are usually interested in volleyball and swimming, and the males are involved with everything from basketball to hockey. They attend the program two or three times a week, working individually or in small groups with a trainer.
FAST is also for adults. A new program is starting Jan. 6, which the Foothills folks are calling a New Year’s Revolution. They point out on their website that a revolution is “a forcible overthrow of social order in favor of a new system,” and that a new system is just what most people need to break the cycle of starting something new each year, only to drop out within a few weeks. They encourage individuals to sign up for an 8-week course to try a different approach.
Foothills also offers specialized training for seniors. Our population is aging, more people are living longer and they want to live “better.” Barbara Kunz is a certified personal trainer at the Foothills facility who specializes in working with seniors. “First I get to know the person,” Barb explains. “I listen to what they have to say, what their challenges are during a typical day and how we can work together to make life a little easier.” She places the emphasis on safety first, as so many falls and accidents happen within the home. She helps the seniors develop confidence and a positive self-image, which in turn helps them in their daily routines. Barb works one-on-one with those 65 and older. “My oldest client is 94,” she says. Barb loves working for Foothills. “Itamar is such a compassionate person,” she says. “I didn’t know anything about this business when I started, and he just looked at me and said ‘But you can learn’ and helped me get the training and education I needed to become a trainer. I’ve seen him give pro bono therapy to those in need, and I’ve even seen him give people a lift home if their rides don’t show up!”
You can locate a Foothills facility near you at foothillsrehab.com
