Charles DeFrancesco is the owner and founder of the education company, Fit and Functional. He is also a consulting partner for THE ARENA and Fit4 All Abilities. He provides all the in house education to the ARENA staff. Charles was co-founder of Greenwich Sports Medicine, where he was in charge of all personal training and therapy operations for over five years. Currently Charles is a consultant for Westchester Sports and Wellness and Phoenix Fitness.

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Charles graduated from Purdue University, summa cum laude with a BS in Health and Wellness. He is certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and by the National Federation of Professional Trainers National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT) . He is also USAW Olympic lifting certified and Equinox Fitness Group Prenatal certified. Charles has completed the Functional Exercise Specialist course, Cardiac Conditions course (AFPA), attended EFTI, and has over 7 years of clinical experience. Charles was a guest speaker at the 2009 IHRSA conference in San Diego. He also holds year round seminars and educational courses in the tri-state area. Charles is one of the authors of the accredited NFPT standard CPT study manuals. He created NFPT’s advanced trainer workshop and writes continuing education courses for ACE, NASM, NSCA and NFPT. He is the NFPT continuing education coordinator, memeber of the NFPT Board of Education and is the North East director of workshops. Charles is the main author of the Principles of Functional Exercise manual, The Truth Behind the Fitness Fads and A Squash Players Handbook  https://thearenafitness.com/

In addition, Charles has written numerous articles and has given presentations on various topics, including: basic movement screenings, essentials of core training, flexibility and strength & conditioning. Many websites and magazines publish Charles’s articles, including www.ptonthenet.com Charles works with a variety of doctors and has consulted with them on developing programs and training staff for their rehabilitation facilities. In addition, he consults with commercial gyms, corporate parks and fitness studios. Charles has extensive experience and a proven track record which allows him to testify as an expert witness on a variety of topics. Charles is a licensed agent in NY for Health, Life and Accident Insurance. The license allows Charles to offer full service corporate wellness programs.