The objectives of the internship are:

• Hands-on experience to include: personal training; fitness assessments; nutritional analysis; time and stress management; interpersonal skills; group exercise teaching; presentations; organization of special events; budgeting; marketing; liability and risk management; paperwork; equipment ordering, maintenance, cleaning and repair; responding to emergencies; as well as membership recruitment and retention.
• Mentoring from the internship supervisor and Fitness Center director.
• Opportunities to network in the field, attend conferences and workshops, and are affiliated with national organizations.
• Professional communication including meetings, memos, client interaction, input of ideas, and confidentiality.
• Use of basic skills that include use of a computer (and software), reading, writing, math, phones, fitness equipment, public speaking, research, etc.
• Assess the fitness components of strength, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, and body composition via several accepted tests and instruments.
• Evaluate the results of fitness appraisals and prescribe exercises that will improve the fitness level of the participants in a fitness program.
• Develop a general knowledge and understanding of fitness center/health club management, including duties and responsibilities of clerical staff.
• Lead a college class in an exercise program.
• Design effective, scientifically based resistance training and exercise aerobic programs for all age groups and abilities.
• Analyze and correct errors related to the performance of weight lifting techniques.
• Recognize the various injuries, which occur to student athletes while participating in sport activities.
• Develop a degree of skill in preventative taping and demonstrate taping techniques in the strapping of various common injuries.
• Develop a general knowledge and understanding of the management associated with an intercollegiate athletic department.

Goals for the Student

• Expand philosophy and knowledge in the field
• Gain a greater understanding of the duties and responsibilities of a fitness professional
• Identify personal strengths and weaknesses
• Understand and adhere to professional standards in the field
• Relate to, interact with, and learn from current professionals in the field
• Broaden your knowledge and education by continuing to learn
• Put theory into practice
• Develop the initiative and motivation to be a self starter and work independently
• Keep current in the field, update knowledge as standards are revised
• Develop a fitness resumé and portfolio that supports accomplishments in the field along with a list of references
• Assess and evaluate self, facilities and program

If you would like more information about internships at Arapahoe Community College’s Fitness and Aquatic facility, please contact sophie.mabry@arapahoe.edu or 303.797.5856. Office A1615 is located at 5900 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, CO 80120.

Good Luck and Enjoy!