The International Women’s Day 2019 campaign theme of “Balance for Better” encourages challenging gender bias, considering STEM careers for women and celebrating achievement. The UN Women’s theme of “Think equal, build smart, innovate for change” also promotes women in scientific fields. Both themes resonate with the American College of Sports Medicine’s initiatives from the time ACSM was created in 1954. Let’s explore what women have done for ACSM, and what ACSM has done for women!

A history of leadership 

Josephine Rathbone, Ph.D., a physical educator who was one of the 11 founders of ACSM, pioneered methods for adaptive physical education and the use of exercise for rehabilitation. Her text on physical activity for those with disabilities went into seven editions! An athlete herself, she rowed crew all four years of college, and later studied the usefulness of yoga for relaxation, publishing a significant treatise on this in 1943. Dr. Rathbone and motor control scientist and physical educator Anna Espenschade, Ph.D., were charter members – two women among the 57 original ACSM members. Dr. Espenschade not only played field hockey but studied players’ movement (first published in 1936) and became an umpire. She served as president of the American Academy of Physical Education and was the first woman appointed to the editorial board of ACSM’s flagship journal, then called Medicine and Science in Sports. Her research relating motor performance with growth and maturity in adolescence was considered seminal.

Despite the board’s declaration in 1956 that one of ACSM’s priorities was to include a higher percentage of women on the Board of Trustees (BOT), Dr. Rathbone remained the only female trustee (a position granted to the founders) until 1976. When Barbara Drinkwater, Ph.D., FACSM, was elected to the BOT in 1976, only 12 percent of ACSM members were female. In addition to her research on environmental heat stress and exercising women, Dr. Drinkwater’s leadership skills rapidly became apparent. When her board term was complete in 1979, she was elected vice-president. The next year Sharon Plowman, co-author of Exercise Physiology for Health Fitness and Performance, a textbook currently in its fourth edition, was elected to the BOT when 20 percent of the members were female. Only a year later in 1981, two more remarkable women were elected as board members. Overarm throwing research published in ACSM’s Exercise and Sports Science Reviews by biomechanist Anne “Betty” Atwater, Ph.D., is still cited. Christine Haycock, M.D., a nurse during WWII who then became a surgeon and a Colonel in the U.S. Army Medical Corps Reserves, told me stories of playing all over the country on all-female baseball teams – truly in “A League of Their Own.” She went on to help develop sports medicine for women, and later served as president of the American Medical Women’s Association.

Over the next six years, women’s membership in ACSM grew from 24 to 34 percent, but only four more women were elected to the board during that time. Dr. Atwater and OB-GYN physician Mona Shangold, M.D., who co-authored a book and professional articles on women in sports and on exercise during pregnancy, moved up to the vice-president level. In 1988, more than 30 years after ACSM’s founding, Dr. Drinkwater became its first female president! Women now made up a third of the college membership, and Dr. Drinkwater was an accomplished scientist and leader. She has worked tirelessly to demonstrate that women can exercise in hot environments and how their bodies respond. She was a successful basketball coach early in her career, and she co-founded the organization WomenSport International to optimize the participation and development of girls and women in sport. Creative collaborations that she organized led to the landmark description of the female athlete triad of eating disorders, amenorrhea and osteoporosis that set the stage for the disorder currently recognized as RED-S (relative energy deficiency in sport) and examined potential methods for combating the problem.

Working toward balance

Women’s inclusion in ACSM leadership still increased only gradually, but by 1990 women accounted for 34 percent of the members, and women were elected to leadership roles more frequently. The 1988 and 1989 elections included one new female board member each year; 1990 saw two elected and one appointed to a one-year “at-large” term; and two more women were elected in 1991. Change was beginning. Nonetheless, no other woman was elected to the ACSM presidency until Charlotte “Toby” Tate, Ph.D., FACSM, took the reins in 1997, nine years after Dr. Drinkwater. Tate, known as both a productive exercise physiologist and an astute administrator, served ACSM as president and subsequently as treasurer. Active now as a golfer, she inspires young women in sports medicine. Finally, women were serving ACSM as leaders, as muscle biologist and ballet dancer Priscilla Clarkson, Ph.D., FACSM, began her presidency in 2000, and orthopedic surgeon and masters figure skater Angela Smith, M.D., FACSM, began her presidency in 2001. There then occurred a seven-year gap before Melinda Millard-Stafford, Ph.D., FACSM, was elected to serve in 2008. Beginning then, women have actively engaged in leadership positions, including the presidency almost every other year! ACSM was led by Barbara Ainsworth, Ph.D., MPH, FACSM, in 2011; Janet Walberg-Rankin, Ph.D., FACSM, in 2012; Carol Ewing-Garber, Ph.D., FACSM, in 2014; Liz Joy, M.D., MPH, FACSM, in 2016; and Kathryn Schmitz, Ph.D., MPH, FACSM, in 2018. NiCole Keith, Ph.D., FACSM, will preside beginning in 2020. As of February 2019, 50 percent of ACSM members are female.

After ACSM had only two female presidents in its first 45 years and two in the next 11 years, seven will have served from 2008-2020. In fact, three of the four current vice-presidents and 17 of the 25 board members are female, a reversal of gender proportions from earlier years! Although leadership gender balance may have even tipped toward women for now, and membership gender numbers are well-balanced, the diversity of people that is seen in the U. S. and around the world has not been achieved. In fact, Keith is the first person of color – male or female – to have been elected president. The need for attention to better balance remains, and ACSM programs and members are dedicated to mentoring and developing a balance of diverse scientists, educators and health professionals.

Countless contributions

In addition to elected leadership, women have made significant contributions to the college though ACSM publications leadership. Especially noted are Deborah Riebe, Ph.D., FACSM, who served as senior editor of ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription 10th edition, and Dr. Clarkson, long-time editor of the flagship review journal Exercise and Sports Science Reviews.

Only three women have received ACSM’s esteemed Honor Award out of 58 awards: Dr. Barbara Drinkwater, Dr. Priscilla Clarkson and Dr. Barbara Ainsworth.

ACSM’s progress has also relied on critical long-term staff members active throughout the various college programs. Karen Pierce joined ACSM in 1983! She has held many roles, currently serving as the director of professional education. Lori Tobin, a friend and helper to so many, recently retired after more than 30 years of service. Sue Hilt has managed educational programs for 30 years, and Chris Sawyer has overseen membership activities for 25 years. Valerie Bragg, Anne Krug, Jane Senior and Lynn Cunha have each helped ACSM and its members grow for more than 20 years. Each staff member and each ACSM volunteer leader mentioned here, along with so many more, has committed her efforts toward developing women in STEM fields related to sports medicine, to mentoring diverse leaders and to celebrating the achievements of women in the field.

It’s important to also include that ACSM and its members pioneered two very significant areas of research and its translation to improve the health of active women. First, in 1992 Dr. Drinkwater, along with ACSM staff and members, organized the collaborative meeting that led to the description of the female athlete triad of disordered eating, loss of normal menses and bone mass, and possible methods to ameliorate triad occurrence among female athletes. The 1993 ACSM Position Stand titled “The female athlete triad: disordered eating, amenorrhea, osteoporosis” was widely cited and has led to continued research on the interactions of energy deficiency, menses and bone mass. Today ACSM members Dr. Liz Joy and Mary Jane De Souza, Ph.D., FACSM, continue to lead this field. The second area greatly impacting exercising women and women’s health was research on exercise in pregnancy, carried out in large part by Jim Clapp, M.D., and Jim Pivarnik, Ph.D., FACSM.

“Think equal, build smart, innovate for change”: The UN Women’s theme for International Women’s Day 2019 resonates with ACSM and its women. ACSM members strive for gender balance and for diversity not only of members’ professions but of their cultures and backgrounds. Past mentorships have already effected positive changes. Future leaders will harness the power of ACSM’s men and women to innovate and effect change in exercise and health, sports and fitness activity participation and molecular science and its translation. On this International Women’s Day we celebrate the women before us who have served, created and led, and those who will lead next, gently feeling the shadows of those behind them.

Angela Smith, M.D., FACSM, dedicated her career to pediatric sports medicine and has served the American College of Sports Medicine in a numbers of ways during her tenure as a member. She has been active in numerous committee and tasks forces, including the Annual Meeting Program committee, Task Force on Medicine, Youth Clinics in Sports Medicine, and the ACSM American Fitness Index Advisory Board. Dr. Smith has served on the ACSM Board of Trustees and was elected the 45th President of the American College of Sports Medicine, serving in the role from 2001-2002. She is currently the chair of the Consumer and Public Information Committee. 

Every year, the ACSM Annual Meeting features four 50-minute lectures called the “President’s Lectures.” The current ACSM President chooses the topics and speakers for all four lectures. And every year, this creates a Marty McFly (Back to the Future) moment for the president, as she/he attempts to be in both lectures at the same time on Thursday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. and Saturday morning at 11:15 a.m. I’ve watched Liz Joy and Walt Thompson attempt time travel to make both lectures. I’m sworn to secrecy…but will be teaching Bill Kraus soon enough.

As many of you know, my area of scientific expertise is exercise oncology. As such, you won’t be surprised that I chose to use the opportunity to choose the President’s Lecturers to educate the college on exercise and cancer.

On Thursday, the presidential lecturers are Jennifer Ligibel, M.D., and Ulf Ekelund, Ph.D., FACSM. 

Jennifer Ligibel leads the Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living at Harvard’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. She is a medical oncologist and chairs the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Energy Balance Working Group. Dr. Ligibel participated in the 2018 ACSM International Multidisciplinary Roundtable on Exercise and Cancer Control, lending her expertise as a medical oncologist to this effort. She is also the principal investigator of the BWEL study (Breast cancer WEight Loss study, ClinicalTrial.gov NCT02750826), the largest ongoing trial of weight loss among breast cancer survivors. The trial is assessing whether exercise and weight loss in this population might prevent breast cancer recurrence. This secondary prevention trial is the first well-powered trial of its kind in the United States, with a goal to recruit 3,136 women by 2020. Many ACSM attendees will be more familiar with large clinical trials to examine the effect of exercise on recurrence of myocardial infarction, such as the MRFIT or NEHDP trials. The BWEL trial can be compared to these prior efforts completed decades ago, translated to exercise oncology. Dr. Ligibel agreed to join us in Orlando on Thursday to talk about exercise, weight loss and breast cancer survivorship. If you have an interest in the effect of exercise and weight loss for “hard disease outcomes,” this lecture is for you!

Ulf Ekelund is a professor at the Norwegian School of Sports Sciences in Oslo, Norway. He participates in the Global Observatory for Physical Activity and the associated The Lancet special issue on Physical Activity Surveillance. I had the opportunity to hear Dr. Ekelund present his research on the relative effect of altering sedentary behavior versus altering physical activity behavior at a variety of intensities for health outcomes. The work was organized in a manner that was remarkably simple and clear, which is particularly impressive given the complexity of the concepts! Dr. Ekelund agreed to share this research with us at the ACSM Annual Meeting. If you are interested in understanding the relative contributions of sedentary behavior and physical activity to health (including cancer prevention), this lecture is for you.

The President’s Lectures on Saturday morning are Stephen Hursting, Ph.D., MPH, and Liane Feldman, M.D.

As an expert in exercise oncology, I can say with certainty that there is a need for more preclinical (animal model) research to explore the mechanisms that underlie the observed epidemiologic relationships between exercise and cancer prevention (primary and secondary). Dr. Hursting is a professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is an internationally renowned, animal model researcher in the area of energy balance and cancer and has trained many of the junior investigators in the field. He will provide a lecture on the mechanisms linking exercise and cancer prevention from a preclinical perspective. If you are a basic scientist, a student or young investigator looking for an area of focus, or just interested in an outstanding review lecture on mechanisms linking exercise and cancer, don’t miss this tour de force on Saturday morning.

Liane Feldman is a professor of surgery and chief of the Division of General Surgery at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. She is part of the Peri-Operative Program (POP) team that was originally founded by Dr. Francesco Carli, also at McGill. The POP team has, for decades, been investigating the value of PREHABILITATION interventions (defined as exercise interventions conducted prior to surgery) to improve surgical outcomes. This has tremendous relevance for cancer, given that surgery is commonly the first type of treatment cancer patients undergo. Over and over again, the POP team, including Dr. Feldman, show that patients who exercise for even a few weeks prior to surgery have better short- and long-term surgical outcomes. Doesn’t that make sense? And yet, these programs are more the exception than the rule in hospitals across the U.S. and beyond. Could this be the next big population on which ACSM certified exercise professionals could choose to focus? Come to this lecture Saturday morning and decide for yourself!

Learn about the many other sessions that will be presented at the 2019 ACSM Annual Meeting here.  

Kathryn Schmitz, PhD, MPH, FACSM, is a Professor of Public Health Sciences at the Pennsylvania State University’s College of Medicine. She is an exercise interventionist who has led multiple trials and translated her work into clinical practice. An online educational training program to prepare exercise professionals and physical therapists to deliver one of her breast cancer exercise programs has been delivered to over 700 outpatient rehabilitation specialists across the country.    

Dr. Schmitz has published over 225 peer reviewed scientific papers and has had continuous NIH funding for her research since 2001. She was the lead author of the first ACSM Roundtable on Exercise for Cancer Survivors, which published guidance for exercise testing and prescription for cancer survivors in July 2010. In June 2017, she became president-elect of the American College of Sports Medicine. She assumed the presidency in June 2018.

In March 2018 Dr. Schmitz chaired an International Multidisciplinary ACSM Roundtable on Exercise and Cancer Prevention and Control. The physicians, outpatient rehabilitation specialists, researchers, and exercise professionals in the room broadly agreed it is time for exercise oncology to go prime time. The question is how. Dr. Schmitz’ professional mission is to answer that question.

 

3 Key Points:

• Regular aerobic exercise results in reductions in blood pressure of 5-7 mmHg among individuals with hypertension and these reductions translate to a reduced risk of CVD of 20-30%.

• Emerging research suggests that dynamic resistance exercise may also serve as an efficacious strategy to lower blood pressure to levels similar to aerobic exercise.

• Special consideration should be given to signs/symptoms or presence of disease, concomitant drug therapy, and other comorbidities in order to optimize CVD risk reduction and improve overall health. The goal of preparticipation screening should be to risk classify individuals at risk for an adverse or life threatening response to exercise while decreasing barriers to physical activity participation.

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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States (U.S.) and accounts for 1 out of every 3 deaths in U.S. adults. High blood pressure (BP) or hypertension is the most common, costly, but modifiable major risk factor for the development of CVD and premature mortality, affecting nearly half (46%) of U.S. adult population (PMID: 30700139).

Hypertension is the most common, costly, and modifiable CVD risk factor.

 

In 2017, The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines released new guidelines, which now define ‘hypertension’ as:

• having a resting systolic BP (top number) of 130 mmHg or greater
• having a resting diastolic BP (bottom number) of 80 mmHg or greater
• taking antihypertensive medication
• being told by a physician or health professional on at least two occasions that one has high BP
• or any combination of these criteria

The ACSM recommends that individuals with hypertension engage in moderate intensity, aerobic exercise 5-7 d/wk, supplemented by resistance exercise 2-3 d/wk and flexibility exercise ≥2-3 d/wk.

 

Participation in regular exercise is a key modifiable determinant of hypertension and is recognized as a cornerstone therapy for the primary prevention, treatment, and control of high BP. On average, regular aerobic exercise lowers resting systolic BP 5-7 mmHg, while resistance exercise lowers resting systolic BP 2-3 mmHg among individuals with hypertension. These BP reductions follow the “law of initial values” such that individuals with higher baseline BP values experience even greater reductions in BP from exercise training. In other words, exercise works best in those who can stand to benefit the most.

BP reductions of this magnitude lower overall CVD risk by 20-30%. For these reasons all major public health organizations universally recommend aerobic exercise for the primary prevention and treatment of hypertension. Similar to a drug prescription, individuals can be “prescribed” an exercise prescription for the prevention, treatment, and control of high BP following the FITT principle:

Frequency: How often?

Intensity: How hard?

Time: How long?

Type: What kind?

Specifically, the ACSM recommends the following exercise prescription for individuals with hypertension:  

Frequency:

For aerobic exercise, 5-7 d/wk, supplemented by resistance exercise 2-3 d/wk and flexibility exercise ≥2-3 d/wk.

The frequency of aerobic exercise is slightly greater than those with normal BP (i.e., 3-5 d/wk). In fact, individuals with hypertension are encouraged to engage in greater frequencies of aerobic exercise than those with normal BP because we know that a single bout of aerobic exercise results in immediate reductions in BP of 5-7 mmHg, that persist for up to 24 hr (i.e., postexercise hypotension). For this reason, individuals with hypertension are encouraged to exercise on most days of the week in order to benefit from the acute effects of aerobic exercise on BP.

Intensity:

Moderate [i.e., 40-<60% VO₂R or 11-14 on a scale of 6 (no exertion) to 20 (maximal exertion) level of physical exertion or an intensity that causes noticeable increases in heart rate and breathing] for aerobic exercise; moderate to vigorous (60-80% 1RM) for resistance; and stretch to the point of feeling tightness or slight discomfort for flexibility.

New and emerging evidence suggest that the magnitude of the BP reductions that result from aerobic exercise occur as a direct function of intensity, such that the more vigorous the intensity, the greater the resultant BP reductions (PMID: 26423529). Individuals who are willing and able may consider progressing to more vigorous intensities, however, the risk-to-benefit ratio has not yet been established.

Time:

For aerobic exercise, a minimum of 30 min or up to 60 min/d for continuous or accumulated aerobic exercise. If intermittent, begin with a minimum of 10 min bouts.

New and emerging research has shown that short bouts of exercise (3-10 min) interspersed throughout the day may elicit BP reductions similar in magnitude to one continuous bout of exercise and may be a viable antihypertensive lifestyle strategy for individuals with limited time.

Type:

For aerobic exercise, emphasis should be placed on prolonged, rhythmic activities using large muscle groups such as walking, cycling, or swimming. Resistance training may supplement aerobic training and should consist of 2-4 sets of 8-12 repetitions for each of the major muscle groups. For flexibility, hold each muscle 10-30 s for 2-4 repetitions per muscle group. Balance training (neuromotor) exercise training is also recommended in individuals at high risk for fall (i.e., older adults) and is likely to benefit younger adults as well.

Blood pressure reductions appear to occur in a dose-response manner such that greater volumes of exercise elicit greater reductions in blood pressure. Progression to the Ex Rx should be gradual, avoiding large increases in any of the FITT components of the Ex Rx, especially intensity for most individuals with hypertension.

 

A recent meta-analysis demonstrated dynamic resistance exercise training to result in BP reductions similar in magnitude to aerobic exercise training (PMID: 27680663). These results suggest that the antihypertensive benefits of resistance exercise training may have been largely underestimated and warrant reappraisal in the near future. Note that, inhaling and breath-holding while engaging in the actual lifting of a weight (i.e., Valsalva maneuver) can result in extremely high BP responses, dizziness, and even fainting and should be avoided during resistance training.

Practical Applications

Accurate BP assessment is critical for a) the initial diagnosis of hypertension and b) to establish a baseline BP to properly evaluate the influence of lifestyle intervention strategies across time. Proper patient positioning and preparation are critical for ensuring accuracy of BP values. Caffeine, exercise, and smoking should be avoided at least 24 hr before BP assessment. Prior to the first reading, the patient should be:

• seated quietly and not talking for at least 5 min prior to or during the measurements
• legs uncrossed and flat on the floor
• bladder empty
• back supported upright
• arm supported at heart level
• with an appropriate sized cuff

American Heart Association standards state that BP should be measured three times in each arm, separated by at least 1 min, and averaged. This is particularly important given that the first reading is often the highest reading. Preferably, the same exercise professional should measure BP on the same patient and using the same BP monitoring device. Approximately ~25% of patients experience “white-coat hypertension” such that BP readings obtained in the presence of a healthcare provider appear elevated, however, home or ambulatory BP values are within normal ranges. Patients with suspected white-coat hypertension may be referred to their healthcare provider for proper evaluation.  

Appropriate preparticipation health screening should be implemented to identify at-risk individuals who may require medical clearance before they begin an exercise program (PMID: 2647375). Although exercise is safe for most individuals, there is a small risk of cardiovascular complications in certain susceptible individuals, particularly among sedentary adults with known or underlying CVD who perform vigorous-intensity exercise they do not usually engage in. The ACSM preparticipation guidelines emphasize the public health message that exercise is important for all individuals and largely triages individuals on the basis of current physical activity levels, desired exercise intensity, and the presence of known or underlying CVD, metabolic, and/or renal disease.

As such, individuals with hypertension cleared to exercise (by the preparticipation algorithm or healthcare provider) should be encouraged to progress gradually, avoiding large increases in any of the components of the FITT. Progression should begin by increasing exercise duration over the first 4-6 wk, followed by an increase in frequency and intensity to achieve the recommended volume of 150 min/wk or 700-2000 kcal/wk over the next 4-8 mo. Progression may be individualized based on tolerance and preference in a conservative manner.

Lifestyle modifications, such as regular aerobic exercise, are fundamental for the prevention, treatment, and control of hypertension. When lifestyle interventions are not effective in achieving treatment BP goals, antihypertensive therapy may be required to optimize CVD risk reduction. Whenever possible, an interdisciplinary, collaborative approach involving the patient, healthcare provider(s), and exercise professional will largely improve lifestyle and pharmaceutical adherence, translating to greater BP control and overall health, which is the ultimate goal in the treatment of hypertension.

Recommended Reading:

New Blood Pressure Guidelines

Preparticipation Screening

Author: 
Amanda Zaleski, PhD is an American Heart Association Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Connecticut. She is also a Project Manager and Evidence-Based Credentialed Analyst for the forthcoming ACSM Hypertension Position Stand Update and Co-Chair of the Communications Committee for New England ACSM.

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Equinox and Liz Minton recently hosted an industry-presented webinar entitled: Starting a Career at Equinox. Don't miss the full webinar here

Several questions were asked by attendees during the webinar and the answers are below.

Application process

1. Q: What is the interview process like?

   A: It varies somewhat by region but you can generally expect to have a phone screen interview with a PT (Personal Training) Recruiter, followed by a “group interview” where we bring multiple candidates together for an interview activity, then possibly followed by a one-on-one interview with the PT (Personal Training) Manager at a specific club.

    

2. Q: Are we encouraged to apply even when you aren't accepting applications?

   A: Absolutely – we always make room for talent!

    

3. Q: How much experience is equinox looking for prior to applying, certification and degrees aside.

   A: We are confident that we have the right education programs in place to build an all-star trainer so we are absolutely open to hiring candidates with the right attitude and characteristics.  Some of our top trainers in the company were career changers.  That being said, if candidates have some previous training experience, this will usually help them acclimate to the culture and gain clients a bit faster.

    

4. Q: Degree obtained, Cert obtained - but no experience in the field yet. How likely is a career at Equinox?

   A: See above, very likely.

    

   Internships

5. Q: After applying for the Equinox Internship, how long does it typically take to hear back?

   A: Generally, 24-48 hours.

    

6. Q: … are summer internships more competitive than during college semesters?

   A: We make accommodations for talent and have not yet run into an issue in turning talent away.

    

7. Q: Do you have any summer internships in the DC/metro area; Philadelphia

   A: DC yes, we are not in Philly yet.

    

   Locations

8. Q: … what additional locations do you plan to open in the next couple of years? … where can we find what regions are hiring? [Specifically: Idaho; Middle TN; North Carolina; Philadelphia]

   A: Go to https://careers.equinox.com/about-personal-training for all listings.

    

   Career growth and development

9. Q: How long does it typically take someone to move from Tier 1 to Tier X?

   A: Depending on prior education and experience, expect about 3 years if you are a high performer all around.

    

10. Q: Is it possible to get hired at a higher tier if you come in with requisite experience?

    A: Candidates that meet certain criteria can challenge our “fast-track” exam and possibly start at a higher Tier.  Experience would likely help you pass the “fast-track” but it isn’t a qualifier to be hired at a higher tier level.

    10a) Does a Masters degree in Exercise Science + ACSM/NSCA cert allow you to start at a higher tier as well?

    These accomplishments would likely help you pass the “fast-track” exam(s) thus allowing you to start at a higher Tier level.

     

    10b) Does a Masters degree put you at a different tier than a Bachelors degree?

    We have found that those with a Masters degree are usually better prepared to pass the “fast-track” into Tier 3.

     

    10c) Are all positions internship or entry-level? e.g., I already have a doctorate degree and would be looking for a mid-senior level of work.

    Yes, internships are usually for rising and current seniors in college.  We would be open to the conversation about your circumstances for sure to see if we could find a fit.  Please apply on https://careers.equinox.com/about-personal-training
    
    

11. Q: How does salary differ from each tier?

    A: Recruiters will answer this more specifically in the interview process

     

    11a) Q: … what is the median salary for personal trainers at Equinox

     

    A: I would refer to you the range posted on our career website https://careers.equinox.com/about-personal-training

     

12. Q: Are there part-time PT (Personal Training) employment opportunities available (other than intern program)? (Are there any part time opportunities?)

     

    A: We are sometimes able to make accommodations for specific part-time situations.Please apply and discuss with the recruiter.

     

13. Q: Do you offer training for group X?

    A: The PT (Personal Training) Department does not train it’s trainers to lead Group Ex classes but they are able to participate in them and learn from the Group Fitness Instructors and GF Managers at their club.

     

    Life at Equinox

14. Q: Do most Equinox trainers work one-on-one with clients? Or are there group training or even class setting opportunities?

    A: Yes to all of the above.

     

    14a) Can you serve multiple roles at Equinox? For instance, can I be both a group exercise instructor and a personal trainer (assuming I have both certifications)

    Yes

15. Q: Does Equinox work with athletes? Does it offer sports performance training?

    A: We define athletes broadly but yes, we have worked with professional athletes down to weekend warriors and everyone in between.  Trainers learn how to write programs that are geared towards sports performance and we have a lot of the traditional sports performance equipment and gear.

     

16. Q: What are the typical hours or schedule for a full-time personal trainer? Do they work on the weekend as well or is there rotation with that?

    A: A typical schedule varies based on where the trainer is in their time with us.  Like any new business owner, there are a lot of hours upfront in education and business generation.  As a trainer builds a client base, some trainers like to start at 6am and work straight through to 2pm then leave, while others may start later, stay later or take breaks during the day.  There is some flexibility once you have built your client base.  As for weekends, at the beginning, we ask new trainers to work weekends so they gain exposure.  We do also have many senior trainers who consistently train on the weekends too.

     

17. Q: Is there a non-compete clause for trainers?

    A: Yes

     

18. Q: If hired at Equinox, is it possible to seamlessly transfer clubs? Or do you have to go through the hire/interview process again?

    A: Generally, yes, assuming there are no infractions on record.

     

    Questions to Liz

19. Q: What made you want to join Equinox?

    A: I could tell the moment I first toured an Equinox that they set a standard of excellence that I wanted to be a part of.  That, and the PT (Personal Training) Manager who interviewed me was so incredibly passionate and fun, I knew it would be a great fit.

20. Q: What does it take to be the best Equinox trainer?

    A: As I said on the call, you have to genuinely care – care about members, colleagues, your fitness, the fitness of others, your education etc.  You have to show up everyday ready to be part of a high performance lifestyle.

If you are student or a newly certified professional, one of the most important steps in life is to align with an employer who champions professional development throughout your career. And that is one of the many reasons why ACSM has developed a strategic partnership with Equinox.

This webinar “Starting a Career at Equinox” is presented by Liz Minton. Liz is currently the Equinox Senior Director of Personal Training Development and has over 17 years with the company in various roles.

Equinox is a company with integrated luxury and lifestyle offerings centered on movement, nutrition and regeneration. Equinox has more than 200 locations within every major city across the United States in addition to London, Toronto, & Vancouver.

Learning objectives:

• Basic understanding of Equinox’s philosophy and culture.
• What sets Equinox apart from other fitness facilities.
• Why Equinox likes to hire ACSM certifieds.
• How ACSM certifieds and college students can get started in their career with Equinox.