By JONATHAN NELSON
You’re the fitness director at 360 Physical Therapy in Vancouver. What does the job entail?
We’re just launching a new fitness program. My job was to create everything from scratch.
So what did you come up with?
We offer personal training and group training. My personal training program is based on what the client has at home. A lot of people own a PhysioBall, resistance bands and dumbbells. Whether they collect dust in the garage, a lot of people have them.
Our group exercise classes gather four to seven friends or family members. They choose the day, time and frequency. I’ve got class descriptions like core components and cardio components. They are going to design their own class.
You obviously have an interest in exercise and fitness. Where did that come from?
I started taking group exercise classes (in college) and then I started teaching them. Exercising to me is such a relief for everything that goes on in my life.
Did that training make you change your major?
No. It was always exercise and sports science.
How did you land your job?
My best friend, Amy Tran, is at the University of Southern California and Ike (Ike Anunciado, owner of 360 Physical Therapy) was her mentor for a long period of time. She got a job at 360 as an aide. After I graduated, I was hired by 24 Hour Fitness. My (former) boss is a close friend with Ike. I called Ike up (when Amy moved to California).
What are your hours?
Forty hours.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
Starting everything from nothing. How do I reach out to people who know nothing about the program? I have no business or marketing background.
What do you consider to be your biggest career break?
Making that decision to start working for 360 PT.
What was your first job? And what did you learn from it?
My first job was as a fitness instructor at Oregon State. I learned to pursue what I love.
What are you reading for fun?
“Making the Cut: The 30-Day Diet and Fitness Plan for the Strongest, Sexiest You,” by Jillian Michaels.
What’s playing on your iPod these days?
A bunch of running songs, high-energy, motivating songs to put me through workouts.
As a kid, what did you dream about doing when you grew up?
I wanted to be a dolphin therapist, where you allow children with disabilities to swim with dolphins.
What’s your favorite restaurant?
Sungari Pearl Restaurant in Portland.
What is the most you’ve ever splurged on a hobby or personal indulgence?
Right now I’ve been getting into running. I got a puppy to train with me.
What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?
Love what you do.
What kind of advice would you give someone looking to enter your field?
Learn from others. Go to seminars, read. Be willing to learn different techniques.
Favorite vacation spot?
Hawaii.
One on One is a weekly feature profiling Clark County business people.
Vital statistics
Age: 23.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in exercise and sport science from Oregon State University.
Personal: Hikes, climbs, surfs and swims.
Jonathan Nelson covers retail, banking and the Port of Vancouver for The Columbian. He can be reached at 360-735-4543 or via e-mail at [email protected]
Originally published by JONATHAN NELSON Columbian staff writer.
(c) 2008 Columbian. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.
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