Eric Durak

Eric Paul Durak is a fitness industry maverick, known for his trailblazing career that defies convention. After completing his graduate studies at the University of Michigan in Kinesiology with a focus on Exercise Physiology, Eric embarked on a transformative journey. He joined the prestigious Sports Training Institute in New York City, where his talents were quickly recognized. Within just ten months, he was chosen to relocate to California to spearhead the development of a clinical exercise lab specializing in diabetes care. He pioneered research in both exercise and MRI-based body composition analysis, becoming a recognized global authority and achieving groundbreaking results in the relationship between strength training and blood sugar levels. This pivotal moment marked a turning point, expanding Eric's horizons from fitness to high-level research, collaborating with some of California's top scientists at the Sansum Diabetes Research Institute.

In 1993, Eric's passion for wellness led him to create the Cancer Well-fit Program, one of the nation's pioneering initiatives. In recognition of his groundbreaking work, Eric was honored with the first-ever IHRSA Institute award in 2000. To this day, the Cancer Well-fit Program continues to positively impact the local community, thanks to the dedicated team of Cancer Exercise Specialists he assembled.

Eric's influence extends beyond fitness training; he has made significant contributions to the fitness certification arena. His collaboration with leading agencies and the development of numerous clinical certifications and continuing education courses (CEU) have left an indelible mark.

For over 17 years, Eric transitioned to the University of California, where he focused on wellness and injury prevention. His role encompassed a unique blend of prevention and safety, seeing reduced injury claims and large scale cost savings for campus departments during his tenure. In 2021, he returned to his roots at Medical Health and Fitness, reinvigorated and poised to revolutionize the health club industry.

Eric's current mission is at the intersection of clinical research, fitness, and healthcare, as he partners with Life Core Group to create innovative ways of funding gym and health club programs. By harnessing Health Account Dollars (HSA, HRA), they aim to pave the way for the nation's first wellness health plan, reshaping the trajectory of healthcare by using gyms and health clubs as conduits for change.