January 20, 2010

Recreation Center hosts personal trainer program

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- A good personal trainer can be a big help to those striving to improve their health and fitness. The Professional Personal Trainer program coming to Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Student Recreation Center offers the training and expertise to help people be professional personal trainers.

The class begins Feb. 20 and continues through April 24, meeting weekly with the exception of March 13 when there’s no class. The class runs from 9 a.m. until noon each Saturday for a total of 36 hours. Participants will also spend some time practicing the techniques and concepts they’ve learned at the Student Recreation Center.

The fitness industry is growing and this hands-on training program gives practical experience and information about being a good personal training along with details about practical business applications including making a sale, running a fitness session, monitoring clients and the legal aspects and applications of personal training. Although background in anatomy, physiology or kinesiology is beneficial for those participating in the class, it’s not required.

Linda Hill is the class instructor. She taught the professional personal trainer program in the Atlanta area for three years before her recent relocation to Southern Illinois. With dual ACE certification as a personal trainer and as a weight and lifestyle management consultant, Hill owned and operated her own fitness facility for several years.

Hill earned her bachelor’s degree in English at Florida State University and holds a master’s in professional and technical communication from Southern Polytechnic State University. Her experience includes working as a fitness instructor, facility owner and fitness franchise development and adjunct college instructor and she has more than 20 years of professional experience in the fields of fitness and media.

Participants will acquire hands-on experience in a working fitness facility, learn from experienced fitness professionals, and gain pertinent information about the business aspects of working as a professional personal trainer.

The cost of the Professional Personal Trainer Program is $645 for Recreational Sports and Services members or $695 for those who aren’t members.

For more information, or to register for the class, contact Lynne Thompson-Cundiff at 618/453-1275 or via e-mail at tlc2@siu.edu. Or, visit the Student Recreation Center Web site at www.reccenter.siu.edu.