Internships

Internship Orientation

Orientation

            The internship will begin with a site orientation. This orientation will be performed by the site director and includes a site tour and discussion of internship objectives.  This is a very important first step in the internship.  While remaining focused on learning the corporate fitness field, it will allow us to tailor our program toward each individual's needs.

 

Pre-Evaluation

            The pre-evaluation process begins with a Risk Assessment.  Each new member is required to complete a Member Registration Form and a Health History Form.  A trained fitness professional will read and interpret these forms in order to determine the fitness status of the individual.  This is an extremely important first step in identifying any health problems that may interfere with an exercise program.  The intern will assist in gathering and interpreting this important membership data.

 

Fitness Evaluation

            In the Fitness Evaluation a trained fitness professional administers biometric tests to determine a member's fitness level.  These biometric tests include resting heart rate, blood pressure, height, weight and body composition measurements.  Cardiovascular, flexibility and strength tests will also be performed at this time.  These tests help us determine a person's base level of fitness.  Both short and long-term fitness goals can be determined form these tests.  The tests are also valuable as a second line of defense in identifying health problems that may interfere with an exercise program and require the consent of a physician.  Interns will observe and assist the trained fitness professional during fitness evaluations.  At the end of the internship the student will be tested on their practical knowledge of the fitness evaluation.  The intern will also become proficient in analyzing this data to implement safe and effective exercise programs.

 

Exercise Floor Supervision and Orientation

            Interns should develop competency in using all fitness center equipment.  Each new member is required to go through an exercise orientation prior to beginning an exercise program.  Orientation includes a review of facility policies and procedures, as well as introduction to basic exercise techniques and guidelines.  Throughout the length of the internship, the student will observe and assist in exercise floor supervision.  Supervision includes constant monitoring of the exercise floor to insure member safety.  Interns will have the opportunity to observe and/or write exercise prescriptions.

 

Health Education Programs

            TIA's Health Education Programs are meant to increase knowledge and awareness among our clients.  Seminars are given on a variety of health and lifestyle areas, such as nutrition, heart disease, weight control, stress management, smoking cessation and men's/women's perspectives.  Interns will observe and participate in current programs.  The intern may assist in developing, planning, promoting and scheduling of new seminars.

Promotional Programs

            Promoting our programs to present and future clients is of the utmost importance.  A program that is not properly promoted is sure to fail.  Tools such as phone, computer and television messages, bulletin boards, fliers and incentive contests are used to promote each facility.  One of our best promotional tools is The Industrial Athlete Newsletter.  Interns will play an active role in all areas of promotion.

 

Facility Maintenance

            General maintenance of the fitness facility and its equipment is the responsibility of the entire fitness staff.  Interns may be responsible for daily, weekly and monthly duties to ensure a high quality of cleanliness and safety

 

Other Experiences and Special Events

            Interns may be asked to take part in planning, promoting and implementing special events throughout the year.  These events may include health fairs, fun runs, golf outings, contests and many other special events.

 

Data Analysis

          The intern will be exposed to data management and will enter data on the computer.  This data is used to determine facility usage and program effectiveness.  This data must be recorded and analyzed on a regular basis.  The intern will observe data analysis on a regular basis.

 

 

Internship Project

            The intern will be required to complete one major project during their time with TIA, Inc.  The project is to be determined through consultation with, and approval of, the on-site Internship Coordinator and the college advisor. 

 

Stipend

            The Industrial Athlete offers a stipend based on the length of the internship.  From time to time the interns may be asked to work for TIA as a substitute in a supervised setting.  All substitute hours are in addition to the predetermined internship hours and will be paid at a rate equivalent to fitness staff hourly rates.

 

To be considered for an internship position, applicants must possess the following minimum requirements: