Jackie Phiscator
Owner / Operator
Ellipse Fitness

Weight-loss and fitness have, through personal struggle, become my personal passions. I understand the frustration of trying countless weight-loss programs and fitness centers, searching for one that fit my unique needs and goals. I am blessed, though, to also know the joy of discovering a program focused on supporting people's journey to true health and fitness. Today, I am pleased to operate my own Ellipse Fitness Center where each day brings a new opportunity to make a positive difference in people's lives.

Growing up in Gurnee, Illinois, I was somewhat anti-exercise. My brothers excelled in athletics while I buried myself in art and music at the expense of physical activity. My weight and size grew, but my desire to be active did not. At the tender age of 12, I lost 30 pounds following a popular dieting program with my mother. It was not until college, though, that I discovered activities that provided physical fitness and fun. While attending school in South Dakota, I lost over 95 pounds through aerobics and hiking. It was not until 2004 that I found the perfect combination of diet, exercise, and support in a fitness center called Livewell that would eventually become the first Ellipse Fitness Center.

In my "previous life," I worked at JanSport's corporate office in Appleton. I resigned as the Senior Marketing Specialist in 2004 after the birth of my youngest son. While with JanSport, I had the privilege of supervising international photo shoots of celebrities with renowned photographers. I spent an unforgettable week in Buenos Aires, South America shooting an MTV/VH1 commercial. I also participated in company sponsored wilderness treks, back country camping, white water rafting, kayaking, and travel nationwide. I was actually back country camping and hiking off the Silverton Durango line when 9/11 happened. We didn't know about it for 3 days. And while these experiences seem like a lifetime ago, I am grateful for the opportunities and, most importantly, the wonderful people that surrounded me with laughter. In the end, it's the people in your life that leave the most lasting impressions.

In April 2007, I opened the Appleton-North branch of Ellipse Fitness. Once again I found a positive support system in the Ellipse Fitness group. The North staff has grown to 13 fitness instructors. Membership continues to expand, in big part, through member referrals - a fact that fills our entire team with pride. Ellipse's unique classes-only approach to fitness features cardio-kickboxing and boot camp to burn fat, and functional strength training programs to tone muscles. Customized weight loss programs teach members to see "food as fuel."

Education:

- B.S. in Mass Communications, A.A. in Commercial Arts - Black Hills State University, Spearfish, SD

- AFAA Group Fitness Instructor and Strength Trainer

- Ellipse Fitness Certified Instructor, Weight Loss Coach, and Kettle Bell Instructor

- E-SEED Entrepreneurs program at the Fox Valley Technical College Venture Center.

Business Organizations/Affiliations:

- NFBA
- IHRSA
- SCW Fitness
- BNI - NEW Business Chapter - Membership Committee
- Venturous Moms

Jackie and her husband Mark reside in North Appleton with their three children; Colton - 19, Erin - 14, and Matthew - 6.