Jayden Emberton-Gaines

Observation Assignment

Intro Exercise Science

10/9/2018

My career exploration experience was everything I could have asked for. I really enjoyed

the whole experience from just the environment and atmosphere to the clients. From the very

first moment I walked in the gym I felt comfortable and like I fit in. Being in a gym or workout

setting is something I am very used to from playing sports my entire life. With this said it made

it easy for me to get used to the atmosphere and be relaxed enough to do an interview, it was not

an awkward experience for me by any means.

The gym is called Alphalete Performance and Fitness. At Alphalete they have an area

designated for weight lifting as well as a turf field that is used for many different purposes. This

is the set up a lot of gyms have been going for the last couple of years because it gives the gym

more versatility. With the turf field being added it enables the trainers to do field work inside the

gym and closer to the weights. This makes dual workouts (field & weights) way easier and time

efficient. While I visited there were a few clients and they were younger athletic clients that

looked like they played sports. However, the gym is said to have a diverse community of clients

ranging from young and athletic to old and trying to maintain muscle and strength. No matter

the client there was always something that the trainers would give you to help with whatever you

need help with.

After experiencing the atmosphere, environment, and clientele of working in a workout

setting and having people around you daily who are determined and driven to better their
physical health and ability in their sport, I believe it is something I would be interested in doing

for a living. I would love to maybe one day have my own gym like Alphalete, with moderate

differences to fit completely my style. Overall, I think this was a successful career exploration

and definitely an eye opener to a possible future career.

Jayden Emberton-Gaines

Interview Assignment

Intro Exercise Science

10/9/2018

1. Please describe your typical day.

- Tim described to me that his typical day varies daily due to his work schedule being

client based. He told us he works 8 am to 8 pm some days and 10 am to 6 pm other days.

However, on a daily basis he trains clients, organizes the gym, writes workout plans

based on clients, as well as markets the company brand to try and expand clientele.

2. What do you enjoy most and least about your job?

- Mr. Johnson explained to me how the thing he enjoys most about his job is seeing his

clients reach their goals. He said that the number one reason he does what he does is to

make each and every athlete he trains the best athlete they can be. He explained that the

worst part of his job is when parents or coaches have unrealistic expectations for their

child/athlete. He says that each athlete grows and matures at their own rate and its

unrealistic for them to get results earlier than their body will allow.

3. What are your typical work hours?

- Mr. Johnsons work hours vary from day to day whenever clients want to schedule. This

week for example: Monday 11am-8pm, Tuesday 8am-5pm, Wednesday 7am-8pm,

Thursday 7am-4pm, Friday 7am-5pm

4. What can an entry-level worker expect to get paid to do a job such as yours?

- 20,000-35,000 a year although that will differ from state to state and per each company.
 5. What are opportunities for career advancement? How would an entry level

worker get promoted or grow?

- Tim explained that there are not many career advancements through the personal trainer/

strength and conditioning field, however he said with the business being a product-based

field you’re able to charge clientele higher prices or work in say a private facility/own a

facility. Tim expressed that growth in this field is an intern->assistant strength coach-

>head strength coach-> assistant strength coordinator ->head strength coordinator.

6. What is your educational background? What certifications do you hold? What

degrees or certifications do professionals in this field typically have?

- Tim expressed that he has a degree in exercise science from Seton hill University, he is

certified in CPR and AED as well as first aid from the American Red Cross. He also has

certification in Performance enhancement specialist. And he explained how other trainers

will vary from NASM, CPT, CSCS and many others

7. Please comment on diversity within your clientele and work place.

- Tim believes that the diversity is very wide within his clientele as well as in the

workplace. He expresses that fitness is something that every one of all backgrounds, all

sexes, and all ages need in their life, and on top of that many folks have different goals or

motivations meaning that this field is made for everyone.

8. How enjoyable is it coming to work every day for you?

- Mr. Johnson explained to me that half of the time it doesn’t even feel like he is at work.

He said that the best part about his job and company is that they started their own facility

from scratch, therefore he gets to come in to work every day hang out with some of his

best friends and help clients of all ages and abilities reach their goals. He says he could
 see how some folks can see this job as to tasking or difficult because of the ever-changing

hours. However, he thinks that any day he gets to help someone reach their goals is a

good day.

Tim Johnson, Alphalete Performance and Fitness

1301 Pontiac Court, Export, PA 15632