LEARNED OUTCOMES

MAJOR FIELD OF STUDY

As a student within the Rutgers University Department of Kinesiology and Health, I learned a great deal of knowledge regarding the human body and the numerous health benefits of exercise. I have taken classes such as Functional Human Anatomy, Systems Physiology, Exercise Physiology, Exercise and Aging, Strength and Conditioning, Physical Activity and Health, Motor Learning, Exercise and Relaxation, and Techniques of Athletic Training. The classes I have taken at Rutgers have given me a solid background that has prepared me for my future career in the fitness industry. 

The knowledge I have acquired from Rutgers classes can be directly applied in the fitness setting. In a class called Exercise and Aging, I learned about numerous health conditions that are common with the older population and I learned how to design appropriate fitness programs for seniors. In the class Functional Human Anatomy, I learned about muscle structure and function hands-on with a cadaver. I was able to learn how to strengthen each muscle group in the Strength and Conditioning class, and Techniques of Athletic Training class helped me learn about various injuries that occur and how to manage injuries. I have taken Dr. Alderman’s Physical Activity and Health class and learned about the psychophysiology of exercise and how exercise helps to combat mental health disorders such as depression. I have also taken classes such as Sleep, Health, and Performance, where I read detailed research papers regarding the detrimental health effects of sleep deprivation as well as the scientific basis on how to improve sleep quality. The classes I have taken at Rutgers within my major are not only interesting but have also provided me with practical information to teach to clients in my future career. 

GENERAL EDUCATION LEARNING

The Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences general education classes have given me a well rounded education. I have taken classes regarding quantitative and formal reasoning, human behavior, diversity, and natural sciences, all of which will help me in my future career. The general education classes I have taken at Rutgers have taught me practical skills for my future career in the Health Sciences. I have taken scientific research classes at Rutgers such as Scientific and Technical Writing as well as Research in the Disciplines. In these classes, I have done lots of research regarding strength training with children as well as using mobile technology to promote healthy exercise habits. Rutgers has taught me valuable research skills which have allowed me to explore in greater detail concepts related to Exercise Science which I am interested in. During my internship, I was assigned tasks such as designing bulletin boards for the fitness center to provide useful information for the seniors. I was able to use the research skills I learned at Rutgers to gather information and provide the information in an easy to understand manner for the seniors. I have also taken several electives at Rutgers, such as Drugs and Human Behavior, where I learned about the psychopharmacology of various drugs as well as the neurobiological basis of addiction. I have taken electives such as Greek and Roman Athletics, where I learned about the history of the Olympics and how modern day sports evolved to become the way we know them to this day. I have also taken classes such as Human Nature and Human Diversity, where I learned about human evolution and how cultures have evolved over time. The classes I have learned at Rutgers have given me a better understanding of the world around me as well as insight regarding the scientific basis of human behavior. I can apply this knowledge to my career and teach my clients about the information I have learned throughout my college career.

INTERNSHIP SETTING

My internship at Parker Health group allowed me to apply the academic learning from the classroom and apply it to real clients. For example, the class called Exercise and Aging gave me background knowledge about how to design exercise programs for senior citizens. I learned numerous variations of strength training exercises which accommodated people with limited range of motion as well as individuals in wheelchairs. I also learned about numerous strength training exercises in the Strength and Conditioning class; I learned in detail which muscle groups are to be used in each exercise and how to engage the correct muscle groups to get the most out of the exercises. I was able to use this knowledge during my internship, as I helped design programs for seniors and I gave seniors guidance on how to perform exercises correctly and safely.

In classes such as Exercise and Aging, I learned about common health problems seniors have and how to design fitness programs with various diseases. I also learned about the importance of strength training to reduce the risk of falling for seniors suffering from osteoporosis. At a fitness center within a senior residential home, I came into contact with people suffering from various diseases and I was able to help them safely achieve their strength and conditioning goals because of the knowledge obtained through Rutgers classes. 

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

The internship experience was a stepping stone for me to have hands-on experience with clients. My future plans include obtaining a personal training certification and working in the fitness industry to help others achieve their fitness goals. I have experience working with the older adult population and I would like to also explore options of working with all age groups, including children and young adults. During my time at Rutgers, I have researched numerous topics in the fields of Kinesiology and Health; I researched how exercise improves diabetic retinopathy via angiogenesis, I researched bone remodeling and reducing risk factors for falling for people suffering from osteoporosis, the impact technology can have for reducing sedentary behavior, and the effects of resistance training for a young population to reduce the likelihood of obese children becoming obese adults. I would like to teach others about these topics that I am passionate about and personal training would be a great career for me to do so. My internship has given me experience working with an older adult population and I would like the opportunity to work with individuals of all ages to help them improve their health and wellness through exercise and personal training.