Burke Teaches the What, Why and How of Exercise

Infinity Fitness and Sports Institute (IFSI) in Rochelle Park, N.J., is the product that formed when president and owner Vince Burke decided to combine his rehabilitation facility with his performance training center seven years ago. “If you’re healthier as an athlete, you’re less likely to get injured,” said Burke. “And if you’re injured, we work to get you back into performance training.”

Coming into the industry with 27 years of combined medical and performance training experience, Burke meshed the two separate entities into a one-of-a-kind fitness practice. He is a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy, with an emphasis on orthopedics and sports medicine. His members and clients aren’t just going through the motions and exercises. They learn the “what” and the “why” before the “how” of training and rehab.

This boutique-style fitness center runs the gamut of full health and fitness. Rehabilitation, injury prevention, weight loss and personal, group and youth training are just some of the services offered. Members can expect a personal and mindful experience. “You can’t train a girl like a woman, or a boy like a man,” said Burke. “Many trainers don’t realize that.” Since many of his clients are youth, this is an important utilization of his medical background.

This is why all clients go through a Medical Athletic Performance Profile (MAPP) before getting started on the floor. Proper instruction is an integral key for the success of the clients at Infinity. “We teach first, and then we train,” said Burke.

Many groups train at IFSI, including youth programs and sports teams. That is why MAPP is so important to its style and success. Education also plays a big part, especially with younger groups. Not only do members learn the proper technique of exercises, but they also get a firm understanding of why each movement is necessary.

“Everybody always does sets when you exercise,” said Burke. “So for us there are four sets. The first is only circulation. The second is where we teach. It’s all about proper form and technique. The third is the training mode, and the fourth is where the change happens.”

Another important key for the team at IFSI is service and care. “If a client is tired, thirsty or sweaty, you can borrow my towel or take a swig from my water bottle,” said Burke. But with that service, comes an understanding. The clients know their workouts aren’t always going to be easy, and sometimes they might want to throw in the towel. The science provided at IFSI proves that the sweat is worth it, so when Burke says jump, they know it’s the right move.

The services that Burke and IFSI provide, coupled with the care and knowledge that all of the clients receive, are what keep members coming back for more.

“The design and décor of our facility is an extension of our home,” said Burke. “We want you to feel comfortable, special and become a part of our family. Many of our patients still return long after discharge, just to share a cup of coffee with us in our waiting room!”

By Maggie Cunningham