Moorpark College’s “Fitness Specialist Internship” gives kinesiology students a hands-on experience of what it is like to teach fitness as a part of the Kinesiology and Exercise Science program available.
Jeff Kreil, Health and Fitness instructor at Moorpark College was eager to give a solid description of how the program, something now four semesters strong, prepares students for the real world in this industry.
“It acts as a screen board to physical fitness,” Kreil said, explaining how the internship is the first step in becoming a fitness specialist.
Students in this program are given the chance to work physically with cliental, who are often on staff at Moorpark, instead of just with textbooks.
Kreil explained that clients have a choice to work one-on-one, in a group setting, or even with a buddy, while working with his featured fitness students.
The sessions are typically 30 minutes to an hour, where students instruct clients to do various exercises ranging from weights, to resistance, and even core. By doing all of that students get the chance to see what it feels like to fill the shoes of a personal trainer or fitness specialist.
Nick Macke, 20, Kinesiology student explains the different type of experience the program has given him overall.
“You get one-on-one experience, individuals, and even teams. I have worked with a fit lab group before and also the woman’s basketball team,” said Macke, reflecting on the personal success of his cliental.
“A good amount of clients come back. Lydia and Joanna did this semester,” said Macke.
Fellow Kinesiology student Jennifer Opaskit, 21, explained the crux of what she has learned both in and outside of the sport aspect of the internship.
“As a whole I have learned above and beyond people skills. I have learned everything about life, and a good amount on human movement and psychology,” said Opaskit.
In terms of time required outside of class, both Macke and Opaskit agree that the internship takes about 12-15 hours a week.
Part of the internship is their final, the ‘Xtreme Raider Challenge’, which Opaskit says they (the students) “facilitate, organize, and lead.”
“That became our whole lives basically. It was amazing,” Opaskit said.
Kreil, on a final note, explains all the valuable lessons learned from being part of this program.
“They learn group settings, how to lead different types of classes and different teaching methods, also working with real world issues. The certificate they receive is a primary to hiring,” Kriel said.
You can find out more about the internships and connect with those involved by visiting their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MoorparkCollegeFitnessSpecialist.
