WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J., April 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Like many people successful at what they do, David Bittner followed his passion to help people live healthier lives through diet and exercise and turned it into a rewarding career.

As a 2002 graduate of Cortiva Institute School of Massage Therapy in Wall Township, NJ, Bittner incorporates his professional massage therapy expertise into everything he does – from working with the Rutgers University football team, to co-founding Yoga M.A.T.T., a yoga/fitness training facility in Hillsborough, NJ.

"I love training people and watching as their bodies' become fitter, healthier and stronger.  Through massage, I'm able to experience how muscles go through different stages of development and experience first-hand what an amazing machine the human body is," says Bittner.

Bittner's career as a sports massage therapist began while still in school when he began performing sports massage for the Rutgers University football team in order to fulfill his necessary clinic requirements.  "I continued to advocate the benefits of massage therapy with the training staff and within two years I had established the massage therapy program for the team," said Bittner.  Since that time, he has worked closely with the head athletic trainer in creating a rest and recovery program.  Because of his efforts, massage therapy has become an integral part of the Rutgers football program.  

"I've been lucky enough to have been on every Bowl trip with the football team since 2005. I even have two Bowl Rings with my name engraved on them – a huge honor," he explained.  Bittner also works with the Rutgers women's basketball team as well as for several members of the New York Giants providing sports massage.  

Today Bittner is involved in launching a new business that brings together all his passions: massage therapy, yoga and fitness.  Yoga M.A.T.T. is a yoga studio/small personalized group training facility that offers a variety of yoga, TRX, kettle bell and conditioning classes. "Our concept is to create a personalized atmosphere geared toward the needs and best interests of our clients," said Bittner.

Though obviously successful in his career, monetary rewards do not define success for Bittner.  "Do you love what you do?  Do you look forward to Mondays or dread them?  Did you set any goals today?  If you can answer yes, that's success to me," he says.

About Cortiva Institute

Cortiva Institute is a community of Massage Therapy Schools with 12 locations nationwide, offering full and part-time massage therapy instruction, continuing education courses, student clinics that are open to the public, and career services for graduates.  Cortiva schools take a holistic and integrated approach to ensure that our graduates are prepared to work in clinics, hospitals, health clubs, spas, resorts, sports therapy clinics or start their own private practices.  Go to www.Cortiva.com for more information.

SOURCE Cortiva Institute