![\"Former](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/education.austincc.edu\/exercise\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2020\/03\/AlexPicFinal-150x150.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1\")
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Alex, give a little background history of yourself.<\/p>\n
I graduated from Anderson High School and enrolled in ACC when I was 18, but not knowing what I wanted to study or what kind of career I wanted, I flunked out. I worked as a barista for 7 years before realizing I wanted to do more with my life. I was already passionate about fitness and wellness and found myself giving advice to others often and figured a career in personal fitness trainer would suit me well.<\/strong><\/p>\n What made you decide to pursue this area of study (i.e. Personal Fitness Training)?<\/p>\n I was never an athletic person growing up or in school. My experience with exercise stemmed from learning bodybuilding-style lifting from friends and from online sources in an effort to put on some weight (I weighed 87 lbs. at 18). After having moderate success in being a regular exerciser, I found that I liked helping friends with it as well and teaching them what I knew. I genuinely enjoy helping people change their lives for the better. I enrolled at ACC so I could further my knowledge in fitness and exercise and make a career out of something I love doing.<\/strong><\/p>\n What made you to decide to pursue this interest in the Personal Fitness Trainer program at ACC?<\/p>\n I wanted to make sure to get quality education on the matter of fitness training. It is possible to get certified to become a personal trainer with a weekend workshop somewhere else, but how much can you possible learn in a weekend? ACC offers a degree program in Personal Fitness Training which really prepares you for the job.<\/strong><\/p>\n What was the hardest part of the program?<\/p>\n The most difficult part of the degree program was actually the science courses required. Anatomy and physiology required much more time outside of class than I anticipated, but in the end, it was all worthwhile.<\/strong><\/p>\n What was the best\/most beneficial part of the program?<\/p>\n The external internship is the most beneficial part of the program. Students get to shadow personal trainers, work in a fitness facility and lead training sessions. After the internship, students are prepared for the real thing.<\/strong><\/p>\n Are you currently employed as a Personal Fitness Trainer?\u00a0 If so, at what capacity?\u00a0 If not, why not?<\/p>\n I interned at Body Business Anderson Lane and liked it very much and even though I learned a lot from them, they weren\u2019t hiring personal trainers at the time. I am in the process of starting up as an independent personal trainer.<\/strong><\/p>\n If you had a single piece of advice for someone interested in being a Personal Fitness Trainer, what would it be?<\/p>\n Study, study, study! If something doesn\u2019t click, take the time to figure it out because you\u2019re going to see it again in the program. Each class supplements each other.<\/strong><\/p>\n