Kristina Schwartz

Major: Kinesiology and Health
Minor/option/emphasis: KIN-Community and Public Health
Company/Organization: Mercy Des Moines Wellness Center
Company/Organization website: http://www.mercydesmoines.org
Destination: Des Moines, Iowa
Timeframe: Summer
Advisor/Coordinator Email: lipsey@iastate.edu

Responsibilities

My duties were the following: design and instruct gym and pool classes, some personal training, membership sales, tours of equipment and instruction, lunch and learns, health screenings, present exercise and well-being talks to businesses, and organization community outreach.

Accomplishments

My greatest accomplishment during my experience was being able to teach fitness classes on my own and how to explain to our members why it's important for their health. I have never taught a fitness class before and had no idea how to. I knew the muscles and movements but not how to combine them into a class for the members. I really enjoyed learning how to teach these classes and develop many relationships with our members.

What advice would you give?

Be flexible and willing to do things out of your comfort zone. You might enjoy learning how to do something you have never done before. Always expect the unexpected. Also take everything with a grain of salt some people may not like you or you may not like them but you need to stay professional no matter the circumstances.

Career Connections