Frank Giancarli opened his Training Ground of Davidson this summer. He worked on a runner on the Village Green after September's after the Run for Green (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

Frank Giancarli knew Davidson would be the perfect place for his new business, Training Ground of Davidson, because of what he saw around him. “People here are so fitness focused,” he said. “The difference between Davidson and other places is you’re always seeing people walking or biking on the street.”

Mr. Giancarli opened the boutique personal fitness center this summer, fulfilling a lifelong dream to open his own fitness business. Training Ground of Davidson held a grand opening Oct. 5 at its quarters off Concord Road, opposite St. Alban’s Church.

Frank Giancarli at his training studio in the St. Alban's neighborhood. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

The New York state native has worked at a variety of other health clubs, including in Huntersville’s Birkdale area, and also worked for a time at a Lowes store as he scraped together cash for the new venture.

Mr. Giancarli has an associate’s degree from the New York College for Wholistic Health, Education, Research. After graduation, he worked in personal training and massage therapy in New York City. He and his wife, Jennifer, moved to Huntersville six years ago, and he has spent much of that time planning for The Training Ground at Davidson.

His studio features three workout stations, free weights, treadmill, stationary bike and personal massage room. In addition, Mr. Giancarli also offers classes in Pilates, yoga and “Bootcamp” – a cross-training and full-body workout. Some of his classes are offered through Davidson Parks & Recreation.

The Training Ground offers personal training for all goals, ages and abilities, from triathletes focusing on injury prevention to teens trying to improve in specific sports to people seeking lower-impact training, including pregnant women or seniors.

“We’re customer service focused. It’s giving attention not just in a one-hour session, but you become part of the community,” Mr. Giancarli said.

He also envisions future programs ranging from cooking classes to nutrition seminars to back-pain classes.

Davidson was one of several places Mr. Giancarli considered before opening. “Davidson has a young feel because of the college, but it also has a very active older population,” he said.

Mr. Giancarli originally got into the personal training field because of his own health issues. He has a rare condition called neurofibromatosis. “It’s a disease where tumors can grow under the skin, on the spinal column, or in the brain,” he explains. In the 1990s, he had five spine surgeries and brain surgery, and that has required considerable physical therapy. At one point, he was told he wouldn’t walk again.

“I realized early on that fitness and taking care of yourself was very important,” Mr. Giancarli said. Now, he’s helping others with both daily fitness, and specific issues.

“You can overcome it if you put your mind to it,” he said.

Mr. Giancarli is certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a personal trainer and also is a licensed massage therapist in New York and North Carolina. He also is currently taking class for a graduate degree in sports management.

THE TRAINING GROUND

The Training Ground at Davidson is at 122 St. Alban’s Lane. Mr. Giancarli may be reached via phone at 704-464-2048, or via the web at www.traininggroundatdavidson.com

Frank Giancarli (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

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