2. Laura Mesenburg
Field Experience
Professor Bird
11
Reflection Paper
Interning at the Rochester Athletic Club (RAC) has been an educational, motivating, and
an overall optimal opportunity. Throughout the summer, I performed various responsibilities and
developed a greater knowledge of what working in the health and fitness field comprises. Each
month entailed new experiences and renovated my skills and capabilities. The following
involvements impacted my internship the most: working amongst certified trainers eager to
teach, becoming familiarized with members and the diverse roles throughout additional
departments, and developing my own workout arrangements and participating in personal
training.
The first month of my internship comprised of the organization and expectations of the
club. It began with several group tours to acquaint myself with the entire facility. The Rochester
Athletic Club offers a family-friendly environment, a high performance training feature, and
incorporates much variety. In comparison to other clubs I have experienced, I found the RAC to
hold a higher margin of proficiency offering personal training sessions, nutritional assessments,
tennis and swim lessons, high intensity training programs, or even simple social gatherings.
Furthermore, the club sustains its employees at a great standard to go above and beyond
expectations for members. Strong customer service is encouraged every day to uphold the affable
atmosphere for club and staff members. Personally, I found this aspect of the facility very
respectable. I truly believe a successful and honorable business needs to address these specific
requirements and will always pursue areas to improve.
3. Laura Mesenburg
Field Experience
Professor Bird
12
Also incorporated in the initial weeks of my field experience, I became familiar with each
department director and built a professional relationship with my supervisor to better understand
his expectations for me. Furthermore, I met with the personal trainers who are providing me the
opportunity to learn from them throughout the summer. I found building these connections were
very beneficial because I became knowledgeable of what my superiors anticipated. Additionally,
they became familiar with what I hoped to acquire from this opportunity. This included subjects
such as: building successful workout programs, understanding how to manage a large diverse
fitness staff, and overall how to achieve satisfaction for the superiors and members. From a more
business viewpoint, I also received the chance to sit down with the vice president of the R.A.C. I
found this to be very fundamental as I was able to reciprocate any questions I possessed. The
vice president stated changes are always a necessity in this field of business. As new
developments are made in nutrition, fitness, health, and overall wellness, this facility is required
to adapt and accommodate to its members. I also addressed more personal issues such as: how he
came into this position at the R.A.C.? ; And, would he have done anything differently during his
pursuit to obtain his position now? All responses he shared challenged my thinking on how I
would go about the situation. It also aided in my decision on whether or not this area of interest
is suitable for me.
Towards the end of the first month, I began observing and collaborating with the staffed
personal trainers within the fitness department. The department consisted of ten different
trainers; each offered a plethora of knowledge and advises that I grasped with an open mind.
Throughout the internship experience, I found communicating with my associates to be the most
beneficial. They explained workout exercises I wasn’t accustomed with and critiqued other
4. Laura Mesenburg
Field Experience
Professor Bird
13
implementations that needed refurbishing. Additionally, they presented alternative processes to
assimilate with a personal training career. This included: the sales of nutritional products, private
training sessions, particularly in areas of interest such as softball, and even being granted
sponsorships. A final item of advice and information they provided was their different mindsets
on certain personal training certifications. Wanting to pursue a certification in the future, it was
beneficial to hear the many different varieties and characteristics each accreditation offered.
Overall all the information was very favorable, and I hope to one day utilize them as my
prospective career develops.
Along with performing alongside the trainers on the fitness floor, it was also very
effective to learn from them during the several department meetings that had been arranged.
Twice a month individual’s staffed within the fitness department met to discuss many different
aspects of business. Some circumstances, the discussion reflected dilemmas that required
attention. Additionally, other engagements required brainstorming on how to improve the
facility. These consultations were another monumental circumstance to attain worthwhile
information about how fitness clubs operate. Furthermore, guest speakers were brought in to
provide us an extended education in addition to our current level of knowledge. The guest
speaker that I acquired the most from was physical therapist, Joan Walden. She discussed several
rehabilitation techniques, taught us how to identify injuries, and shared her side of the fitness
industry from her perspective. I really enjoyed this experience because of the new opinions and
ideas that were established from her.
Prolonging my internship, I began facing several challenges. The first was utilizing my
sales and marketing abilities. Although I have had some experience within sales, it certainly isn’t
5. Laura Mesenburg
Field Experience
Professor Bird
14
my strongest feature. My supervisor designated me to advertise new promotions the facility was
offering and to promote the latest equipment the club acquired throughout the summer. At the
time, I was frustrated and disappointed to be relocated to an alternative position where I was
unable to learn more about the fitness aspects of the internship. However, reflecting back on the
responsibility, I found it to be a great opportunity which enhanced my sales skills. Moreover, it
demonstrated a diminutive portion of what the business side of the club entails.
Along with sales and marketing, an additional challenge I was presented was the
necessity to be well-informed. Currently, several new diets, workout programs, and exercises are
trending. Every evening after work, I found myself researching the latest material concerning
health, wellness, and fitness. While working at the RAC, members view club associates and
trainers as role models and expect quality knowledge and advice whenever desired. Therefore, it
was essential to know the ins and outs of the health-related field. On some occasions, it was
difficult to decipher what material was reliable and what was not. Overall, however, I really
enjoyed this experience because it allowed me to be connected and knowledgeable about the
focus I am passionate about.
Another significant opportunity I engaged in integrated skills of accommodation and
extroversion. On a daily basis, I was associated with individuals of various ages and capabilities.
This required me to be extremely adaptable in several different aspects. Training elementary and
middle school students, I discovered early on that patience is vital and fun is mandatory. In
contrast, adults and even some high school individuals exhibited more reliance and motivation to
obtain a distinctive goal. Being granted the opportunity to perform as a personal trainer and to
develop a realistic understanding of the career was a phenomenal experience. I really valued
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Field Experience
Professor Bird
15
having the responsibility to develop exercise programs to help others attain their aspirations.
Moreover, participating and influencing the process to help someone strive and achieve their
goals was truly rewarding.
Completing my field experience, I have developed a much greater appreciation for the
health, wellness, and fitness industry. I am extraordinarily grateful to have participated with
outstanding employees and to have had the opportunity to contribute to such a prestigious club.
The information and learning I received from this experience went above and beyond my
expectations. I can confidently establish workout plans to whoever is in need. I have a better idea
of what is incorporated into managing a fitness club business. I also developed lifelong
connections with many employees and continue to remain in contact with them. This remarkable
field experience has provided me such a beneficial and advantageous opportunity to set goals and
pursue my future career endeavors.
