| DISCOVER THE ULTIMATE |
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| Spas, Health & Fitness Careers |
| “Helping People Keep Fit and Healthy” By Sandy Zimmerman Today people are looking for ways to improve their health and trying to keep fit. One of the most exciting careers, physical fitness, ranks in the top 10 fastest growing careers. The Professional Fitness Institute is one of the first training centers in the United States (2003). Charles Ware, the President/ Executive Director, feels, “We are rated in the top 10 because graduates should be able to make a pretty decent living. Their credentials are transferable anywhere in the United States. In promoting good health and fitness, personal trainers know how to help their clients. One of the most important things personal trainers do is to motivate clients. If we could do everything ourselves without help, we would all be fit, healthy and live a long life. But unfortunately, most people cannot. Personal trainers come into play whenever people need expertise.” Charles described a day in the life of a fitness trainer, “There are several scenarios of different personal trainer jobs. You could be a trainer in a gym working set hours. Choose a facility for residents of an enclosed community, or inside a corporation’s fitness center for their employees. Medical centers, spas, and cruise ships hire personal trainers. Many trainers go to their client’s homes and keep their own schedules.” With this poor economy, people are losing their jobs but physical fitness is a career instead of a job. Charles described his programs, “There are more than just exercises. All courses are designed around anatomy, physiology, and knowing what happens inside the body. Some clients had operations or illnesses that you have to know how to handle according to the guidelines of our professional standards. The curriculum includes Boot Camp, not like in the army but a fitness Boot Camp. We do not yell at them. This unique Boot Camp is educationally and physically demanding. The students participate for long hours but gain extensive training. It is intense. When they finish, the student really knows what he/she is doing. Everyone who has more practical experience combined with core theory in classes will come out a step ahead. During the Boot Camp, they spend half of their time working with fitness celebrities and the rest at lectures. Students study online training before and after the Boot Camp. |
| Charles Ware, President/ Executive Director |
Exercise psychology is a newer attribute to
training.” Charles explains, “Sometimes the
physical therapist becomes a counselor, the most
important factor of training is to listen to their
clients. These aspects along with what they learn in
the labs, gym, and about nutrition make up the core
component of their education. About 80% of the
questions my clients ask are about nutrition.
Business management is one of the courses for
personal trainers. Yes, to most of the employers,
that is the number 1 thing for their fitness trainers.
Knowing how to sell yourself, how to promote
yourself, and create your own brand.”
I joined some of the exercises with the students.
We had to hold a pole behind our backs while
bending down, a method of training with simple tools
which you can use at home to practice. Then the
class was instructed to lift up one foot for 20
seconds. The 20 seconds does not seem so long
until you try this exercise. Charles commented, “We
use these exercises to test how you perform in
space and time. If you close your eyes it is worse
because you use vision and muscle control to
balance. Another test is for functional movement
screening.”
training.” Charles explains, “Sometimes the
physical therapist becomes a counselor, the most
important factor of training is to listen to their
clients. These aspects along with what they learn in
the labs, gym, and about nutrition make up the core
component of their education. About 80% of the
questions my clients ask are about nutrition.
Business management is one of the courses for
personal trainers. Yes, to most of the employers,
that is the number 1 thing for their fitness trainers.
Knowing how to sell yourself, how to promote
yourself, and create your own brand.”
I joined some of the exercises with the students.
We had to hold a pole behind our backs while
bending down, a method of training with simple tools
which you can use at home to practice. Then the
class was instructed to lift up one foot for 20
seconds. The 20 seconds does not seem so long
until you try this exercise. Charles commented, “We
use these exercises to test how you perform in
space and time. If you close your eyes it is worse
because you use vision and muscle control to
balance. Another test is for functional movement
screening.”
| The Professional Fitness Institute's 3,000 square foot gym is available for students to practice their skills, personal trainers can bring their clients, and the public is invited to work out. Yoga, Kung Fu, and other classes are open to the public. There are two different personal trainer programs- a 10 month certificate and 18 month associate program. You learn from the best instructors, people who are involved in every aspect of health and fitness. For information, call 434-8940. The Professional Fitness Institute is located at 6375 S. Pecos Road, Suite #119. www.pf-institute.com |
| Sandy is trying one of the exercises. |
