Results are in!  We had many participants in our April Social Shout Out BUT not one person completed all requested “shout-outs”.  Perhaps the contest was asking a bit much?  No worries, you will all have another shot in our June social shout out so please stay tuned!

Although there weren’t any “winners”, we recognize that many did give it the old college try and for that we are very appreciative; therefor, $50 gift certificates will be awarded to the two who shouted the loudest…David Tineo – NY & Kevin Webb – Boston.  Way to go guys!

My name is Conrad Sanchez.  I grew up between France and Spain, and graduated with Master’s degree in Management from the University of Bordeaux. After almost a year working in finance in London, I transferred to my New York office to be closer to my younger brother. In 2007, a very bad time to be in finance, I decided to explore something a bit different; I got a job as an Executive Assistant for a billionaire. I always enjoyed helping people and thought this would be a good way to build my skills in the business world. In this new role, I traveled all over the world and worked very long hours and weekends just to find out that the personal trainer who also traveled with us, only worked 2 hours a day earning as much as I did. This got me thinking…

Growing up in Europe, I was always very active.  I played basketball all my life; and my father, instead of grounding me and sending me to my room without supper, would make me shoot 100 free throws.  That kept my skills sharp!  Throughout my childhood, personal training wasn’t even a thought for a career though looking back it was a great fit for me. In 2009, my career came to a halt when I got laid off from my Executive Assistant position.  This turned out to be a blessing in disguise; I had time and savings to pursue personal training, a career combining both things I am passionate about – helping people and being active.

I looked into several certifications but it seemed to me unimaginable to study for a few short weeks and take a test online and call myself a good, qualified trainer. Then I discovered the American Academy of Personal Training, a school I believed would be ideal to get my personal training career started right. I really appreciated the idea of training fellow classmates half of the day and learning about physiology, nutrition, anatomy, and bio-mechanics the other half.   I was sold!

After graduating from AAPT in December 2009, I have continued to keep myself educated and informed taking a variety of classes as often as possible: post rehab training, protective spine exercises, pre/post natal training, training children, marathon training, training older populations. I also got certified by the American College of Sports Medicine, and by Functional Movement Screening.   I am now looking into graduate programs to get a Master’s in Exercise Physiology.  I believe everybody should continue their education.  You can never know enough in this ever evolving industry!

As for my personal training career…after graduating, my instructor and mentor Camille Eroy-Reveles shared with me her idea of creating The L Trainer, a premium in-home training business where the team of trainers meet every week to further their education and share ideas and experiences.  I was on board!  It has now been one year working as both co-manager and trainer.  I am also training both male and female basketball athletes at Hunter College and I recently got hired to train patients with diabetes at the Friedman Diabetes Institute.

I love my job.  I thank the American Academy of Personal Training for getting me off to the right start in my new career path. AAPT provided me with the necessary education to feel confident and knowledgeable to train a variety of clientele.  I couldn’t be happier!

We are excited to announce our Springtime Social Shout-out promotion.

During the month of April, you will have a number of opportunities to help promote AAPT with online “social shout-outs” and win a $100 gift certificate to Paragon Sports in New York or City Sports in Boston!  Here is what you need to do:

1. Like us on Facebook (if you haven’t already)
2. Share an AAPT blog post on your personal Facebook page.  There will be at least four AAPT blog posts featured on our Facebook page over the next four weeks. Catch one of those posts and share! It’s easy—just click on the option to “share” below the post and follow the prompts to share it on your Facebook page.
3. Follow us on Twitter.  Send us a shout-out on Twitter by including @theacademy_pt in your tweet, along with a link to AAPT’s web page www.aapt.edu.

Plus, get bonus points for:

• Adding comments here in our AAPT blog posts. You must say something related to the post. Also be sure to mention that you are or were an AAPT student and when you graduated. Each comment is worth 1 point. Open to both current students and alumni.
• Facebook check-ins. When you go to class, check-in up to 2 times each week. Open to current students only.

Points will be awarded and tracked for each “social shout-out.”  Those with the most accumulated points will be eligible for a random drawing. The winner of that drawing will receive the prize – one in Boston & one in New York.  Winners will be announced in early May.  Please email aaptsocial@gmail.com with questions.

Happy spring socializing!

Each class that comes through AAPT’s awesome personal training education program brings a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and energy!  Students are from all of over the country and sometimes the world.  They are all ages; some are coming straight from high school and others after retirement.  Finally, the backgrounds and professional experiences range from ex-corporate to retired police to college athletes!  One thing that students ALL have in common is a love for health and fitness and a desire to help people in their quest for a better quality of life through exercise and wellness; and along the way they form many new friendships – a win-win!

If you are curious about AAPT student life, check out our Facebook page where you can peruse the photo albums and read the posts.  Also subscribe to our blog – we are always posting different articles and announcements.  Finally, visit the new FAQ section on the website where a lot of your questions will be answered.

AAPT offers an amazing education, practical knowledge and an overall rewarding experience you will always remember!  Get started, contact us to schedule a tour.

Just imagine it!

Kenny Mathews

Recently, current AAPT Boston student, Kenny Mathews, reached out to AAPTs founder Harry Hanson to share his positive experiences so far.  Great news…he “couldn’t be happier with his decision to attend the American Academy of Personal Training”.  Here’s Kenny’s letter…

Mr. Hanson,

My name is Kenny Mathews and I am currently attending AAPT in Boston.  A few years ago, I received my degree in Civil Engineering and after working for an engineering firm for 2.5 years; half of the company was laid off including me. Upon losing my job, I decided to leave my hometown in New York and move to Boston in hopes for finding a new one.

During my job search I often saw jobs posted for personal trainers, which peaked my interest. I’ve always loved working out; maybe it would be a great profession for me. I began my research into the ways of becoming certified and came across American Academy of Personal Training.   I filled out a request for information on the AAPT website.  Within 2 hours, I received a call from Ben Moll, an admissions agent. He was so energetic on the phone that I thought it was my friend playing a joke on me! He invited me to attend an open house at the school that Friday, so I decided to go and check it out. 

When I arrived at the open house, I met Ben and a very friendly woman named Jean. They went over everything with me and answered all of my questions.   As my girlfriend and I were leaving they asked us what we were going to do for the rest of the day. Not being familiar with Boston, they suggested many great things to do. From then on I knew I wanted to attend AAPT.

Now that I am halfway done with the course, I couldn’t be happier with my decision to attend AAPT.  My instructors, Graham and Ted, are exceptional!  Both are great at teaching the required material and keeping the class focused and interested. When we have lab they are both so knowledgeable; they demonstrate the best and safest method of completing exercises properly.  I think that they are doing a great job and I can almost guarantee that everyone in my class would agree.

I see my friends Ben and Jean every night when I walk into class and we chat.  I just wanted to tell you how happy I am with the program you have established at AAPT and the people who work there – both instructors and staff.

Thank you very much,

Kenny Mathews

Thanks Kenny for the props!  We are glad you are loving your experience and can’t wait to see you succeed in your personal training career!

Jean, Kenny & Ben