A Unique Personal Training Opportunity!
Where do you want to work? Some students envision themselves working in small, luxury spas, while others see the myriad opportunities at a large health club chain. Still other students want to coach youth sports or own their own business where they can take all the risks and rewards. But have you ever thought about adding to your experience by becoming a personal trainer on a cruise ship? This week, I interviewed Tiffany, a personal trainer from Austin, Texas who left dry land to work on the high seas.
How did you learn about working as a personal trainer on a cruise ship?
I learned about the job from a friend who was looking to get hired as an acupuncturist on a cruise ship. She informed me that the company who runs the spas on the cruise ships (Steiner, Ltd.) also hires personal trainers. I wanted a change of pace and travel was always on my list of things to do, so I traveled to LA for a mass job interview. The recruiter then invited me to London to their training academy where I studied for 3 weeks before being placed on a ship.
What personal training skills have come in particularly handy when working with clients on a cruise ship?
Working on a ship is very different than working on land. My personal training skills have definitely come in handy. Steiner hires personal trainers and trains us to be salesmen. Therefore, it is very important to be confident in your role as a trainer—the emphasis at the Academy is learning the products and how to sell the detoxification kits (your main source of income as a PT). You also learn how to teach classes during this 3 week “Boot Camp.”
Do you do one-on-one training or group fitness? What is most common?
The most common type of training is in the group setting. The main classes that Steiner does onboard all of their ships are yoga, Pilates, spin, Tai Chi and fit ball. (All of these classes are taught at the London Academy.) Of course, all ships are different and the ship I work on offers more classes than any other ship at this time. I had a lot to learn as soon as I stepped onboard. I still do one-on-one training, as this ups my service revenue. Every cruise is different, so some weeks my schedule will be packed with personal training, while other weeks I will have only one or two sessions.
How does this job compare with your former position as a personal trainer in Austin, TX? This job is completely different from my job in Austin. I was working in a very small, locally-owned studio with very old machines and equipment. I loved the pace and the relationships that I had built with my clients. I was also able to work very closely with my mentor, which I really enjoyed. When I boarded my ship it was a very different experience. I had a lot to learn! I walked into a massive facility with brand new, state-of-the-art equipment. However, my experience is much different than most because I was sent to the newest and largest cruise ship in the world—The Oasis of the Seas.
Is the compensation similar?
My compensation is much higher than what I was making on land. Your pay depends on your retail and service revenue. You don’t get a base pay—commission only. So it’s very important to know your stuff and work hard. With commission and tips, I have been making about one and a half times to double what I was making on land. On my best week, I made three times my land income. But this doesn’t come easy—the hours are long and the work is very physically, mentally, and emotionally draining.
What is a typical day on the ship like?
A typical sea day for me is insanely busy. Again, my circumstances are special because there are many expectations working on such a new and gigantic vessel! There are only three fitness instructors and we have a lot of classes to teach between us. Plus we have seminars to present, metabolism consultations, any PT that we book for ourselves AND keep an eye on the overall operation of the gym and answering questions. It’s been incredibly challenging for us, especially because we are also trying to work out the kinks of running a brand new gym on a brand new ship. A typical sea day looks like this:
• 6:30 breakfast
• 7:00 Morning Stretch
• 7:30 Yoga
• 8:45 Spin (while another instructor teaches Gravity [new class])
• 10:00 Boot Camp (new class—our biggest service revenue generator)
• 11:00 Seminar
• 12:00 Lunch
• 1:00 Metabolism consultation (BCA—where we sell our detox programs)
• 2:00 BCA while the other instructor presents another seminar
• 3:00 BCA while another instructor teaches Spin
• 4:00 Kinesis (new class)
• 5:00 Meditation
• 5:30 Abs class
• 6:00 Dinner
• 7:00 BCA
• 8:00 BCA
• Off at 10:00
This is not typical of other ships, but it’s typical of my ship. From what I have heard, other ships get more down time. I am so busy and it has definitely taken a toll on my body. I’m exercising a lot, but I don’t have enough energy to do a workout for myself—and this is what I am really craving. The food on ships is not nutritious so it’s important to supplement with some kind of green drink to try to balance. I’m a vegetarian and the options for me are limited. The fact that the food is so awful has been very difficult for me.
What has been your favorite port?
I don’t really have a favorite stop. Because this ship is so large, it can’t fit into many interesting ports. I’m currently in the Caribbean and I make the most of my port time - of course there are things to do and places to see, but I’m ready for another change. Some ships offer amazing ports and not that much money, or so-so ports and a lot of money. It just depends on what you want out of your experience.
What advice would you give a student/personal trainer interested in following in your footsteps?
My advice to anyone looking to pursue this lifestyle is to have a very strong knowledge of nutrition. Also, be ready to work! This job is demanding, stressful and, at times, utterly heart-breaking. It has sent me on an emotional rollercoaster on so many levels. If you are in a relationship or married, get ready for heartache! It is very difficult being away from the one you love. I can’t even find words to describe it. I was here on the ship for Thanksgiving, Christmas, my 30th birthday (a big one!) and finally New Year’s Eve. That is a lot in a short amount of time. Thankfully I have made some amazing friends on the ship. We all stuck together through the holidays and still managed to celebrate! The bonds that you form with people on a ship are very strong and it’s so hard to say goodbye. That’s another thing about ship life. You get really close to someone and then they leave.
Anything else you’d like to share?
This has been the most incredible experience of my life thus far. I have learned SO much about myself, about fitness, nutrition, running a business, how to talk to different personality types, and how to take control of a situation. I love this life but it is difficult at the same time. There is something incredibly satisfying about overcoming obstacles, doing something you didn’t really want to do, and then being a better person for having done it. This job takes you out of your comfort zone, so be ready to embrace it. Be ready for extreme emotions that can change from one moment to the next. There are so many days when I ask myself, “What am I doing here?!” And then I have a realization, a breakthrough of some sort, and I realize why I am here. It’s about personal growth, pushing myself, challenging myself, failing, succeeding, laughing, crying, falling apart, picking myself back up, growing. I wouldn’t change any of it.
Good luck to anyone seriously looking to embark on this journey. Nine months is the length of a first contract. I’m in month three! I’ve learned a lot in 3 months. I can’t wait to see what I’ve learned and how far ahead I am when I step off of this ship in 6 months.
If you have questions you’d like to ask Tiffany, please contact Amy Scott for her contact details. ascott@globeuniversity.edu
The Pilates Advantage Announces 2 Upcoming Workshops
Pilates “Toys” Workshop: Learn from Julie Oderman, Certified Pilates Trainer and exercise physiologist, how to use the foam roller, elastic band, and Pilates ring.
Date: January 30, 2010
Time: 12:00 - 2:00 pm
Cost: $45 if you bring your own circle and roller. (Band is provided.) $100 if we provide circle, roller and band.
Pre-registration is required. Please call 763-477-4254 to check for availability.
Pilates for Horse and Rider: This will be taught by Lonna Mosow, Master Pilates Trainer.
Date: February 10, 2010
Time: 10 - noon
Cost: $45 (Free gift and drawing, too!)
Pre-registration by February 5th is required. Please call 763-477-4254 to register.
Time to apply for the HFS Professional Certification Scholarship!
Students enrolled in the HFS program at Globe University / Minnesota School of Business / Utah Career College have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship that will pay $300 toward a professional certification. Scholarship recipients will be selected based on the following:
1. Academic performance.
2. Students interested in taking the following certifications must have taken HS254, Exercise Prescription for Special Populations: ACSM’s CPT; NSCA’s CPT; NETA; ACE; or NASM’s CPT certification.
3. Students interested in taking the IYCA Level 1 certification will need to have taken HS321, Principles of Child Fitness.
4. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
5. Applicants will write a personal statement of career goals (not to exceed 500 words) that addresses the following:
a. Specific career goals
b. How the certification will enhance the student’s career
c. How the student will use the experience and knowledge gained from GU/MSB/UCC in his/her career.
d. Plans for continuing education
6. Applicants will require a recommendation from a faculty member.
Applications will be accepted until January 22nd. Please contact the HFS chair at your campus or contact Network Associate Dean Amy Scott at ascott@globeuniversity.edu with any questions.
Recipients who receive the scholarship will be notified in writing by the beginning of the sixth week of the quarter. The professional certification must be taken within six months of the date on the scholarship award letter.
This is a great way to get your certification paid for and improve your marketability in the field. Good luck!
Health Fair at Plymouth Campus 11/19
Click below to find out all of the details of the upcoming health fair that is being hosted by the Health Fitness Specialist students at the Plymouth campus on Thursday November 19th from 11 - 1:30!
http://students.msbcollege.edu/media/files/pdf-files/MSB_FitFest_1009.pdf
Plymouth Firefighter 5K
On Saturday September 26th, Health Fitness Specialist, Medical Assisting, and Massage students participated in the Plymouth Firefighter 5K Run /Walk. The event was part of the 5th Annual Plymouth on Parade. Some GU/MSB students and staff took part in the 5K, while others waited at Fire Station No. 2 for the runners and walkers to return. After people completed the 5K, Health Fitness Specialist students lead participants through cool-down and stretching exercises; Medical Assisting students took blood pressure readings; and Massage Therapy students worked on their tired muscles. Special thanks to staff and student participants: (Staff) Carrie Rowell, Dan Peterson, Regina Hughes, Charles Andria, Jocyln Rainville, Justin Patten, Dawn Jones, and Sue Ferkingstad (Students) William Burns, Brian Nutter, Casey Stenehjem, Chris Leiferman, and Ryan Nimtz.
DeRick O’Connell named Strength & Conditioning Intern at the University of Minnesota
Summer 2009 graduate DeRick O’Connell was recently named the strength and conditioning intern for the University of Minnesota. DeRick will work with the men’s and women’s Olympic sports under the guidance of strength coaches Sara Wiley and Cal Dietz. Sara Wiley was the 2008 National Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year and Cal Dietz is a frequent presenter at local and national conferences and is also the owner of XLathlete.com. Both coaches have been tremendously successful with the athletic teams, coaching All-Americans, Olympians, National Champions, and Big 10 Champions.
“I knew that the strength and conditioning coaches at the University of Minnesota would provide the best environment for me to gain knowledge,” said DeRick.
In preparation for this opportunity, DeRick spent two summers working at Wayzata High School with strength and conditioning coach Ryan Johnson. This proved to be an invaluable experience, as Coach Johnson is one of the most well-respected high school strength coaches in Minnesota. At the summer camp, DeRick learned how to teach a variety of different athletes with varying ability levels. Working with hundreds of kids, DeRick also developed valuable organizational skills. This experience also demonstrated his commitment to this field.
“What really stood out about DeRick, was the fact that he pursued the relevant education and then augmented that with high-level experiences in the field. His willingness to seek out the best individuals and do a great job for those individuals made our decision to hire DeRick easy,” said Sara Wiley. “We are really looking forward to his contributions and feel that he is going to do an outstanding job for the Golden Gophers.”
Apply now for a $300 HFS Certification Scholarship!
GU/MSB recognizes outstanding HFS students by offering a $300 scholarship to be used toward obtaining a professional certification. Applications for the HFS Certification Scholarship are being accepted between July 20th and August 3rd. Both bachelor’s degree students and associate degree students are encouraged to apply. Please see the guidelines below and email Amy Scott at ascott@globeuniversity.edu if you have any questions about the scholarship.
Guidelines:
1. The applicant must:
-Be a current student in good standing enrolled for at least six credits at GU/MSB
-Be enrolled in the relevant program for the desired professional exam
-Be enrolled in, or have successfully completed, the qualifying course, HS 254
-Have a current GPA of 3.0 or higher
2. Scholarship applications must be received between the beginning of the first and third weeks of any quarter.
3. Winners will be notified in writing by the beginning of the sixth week of the quarter.
4. The professional certification exam must be taken within six months of the date on the scholarship award letter.
Selection Criteria:
Scholarship recipients will be selected by a GU/MSB faculty committee based on:
1. Scholarship
2. Personal statement of career goals (500 words or less)
3. Faculty recommendation
Payment:
The scholarship covers the fees for taking a professional certification exam up to the maximum amount, $300.
Scholarship recipients will receive reimbursement for test fees upon submission of:
-Receipt for payment of test fee
-Confirmation of scheduled test date
Applications are available at www.msbcollege.edu/scholarship-applications or www.globeuniversity.edu/scholarship-applications
Learning to Walk with HFS
Last week, the Intro to Exercise Science class at Plymouth learned a new way to walk. Students assembled at Midwest Mountaineering (located off the West Bank of the University of Minnesota) for a tour and a lesson in Nordic Walking. Benefits of Nordic Walking include improved posture, increased heart health and weight loss. Other benefits include increase increased bone density and the little-known “walker’s high.”
Nordic walking also allows ample opportunities for socializing.
Online Health Fitness Specialist Degree!
Globe University/ Minnesota School of Business (GU/MSB) is announcing an early fall quarter launch of the Online Health Fitness Specialist Bachelor’s Degree Program.
Packed with solid scientific coursework, business and managerial classes, and unique hands-on electives like Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) Jumpstart and Resistance Training Specialist (RTS) 123, GU/MSB’s distinctive curriculum is comprised of relevant, cutting-edge material to provide skills for success.
GU/MSB has collaborated with PTontheNET to ensure that its curriculum aligns with the industry direction and the educational needs of personal trainers nationwide.
GU/MSB recognizes the number of fitness professionals working to advance their careers and wants to offer the opportunity to apply prior learning and work experience to GU/MSB’s Health Fitness Specialist Bachelor’s Degree Program. In fact, applicants may be able to test out of up to 75% of the coursework; making the opportunity to receive a bachelor’s degree easier than ever!
When you enroll with GU/MSB, you will experience expert content and enjoy access to PTontheNET tools!
Please visit our website at www.globeuniversity.edu with your questions or to enroll in GU/MSB’s online Health Fitness Specialist Bachelor’s Degree Program.
Knock Out Field Trip!
On Tuesday May 19th, the HFS students from Plymouth toured the Uppercut Boxing Gym in Minneapolis. Owner Lisa Bauch spoke to the HFS students about being a business owner, the status of amateur boxing, trends in the health fitness industry and how to best find your niche in an ever-expanding profession.
