Internship in Kinesiology
INShape
Spring 2026
Hayleigh and I worked on completing lateral raises while standing on one leg every week. One of Hayleigh's goals was to improve balance, therefore adding exercises that activate the stabilizing muscles benefited her tremendously.
Hayleigh and I discussing proper form and other exercise that work the same muscles in-between sets.
My Experience
During this semester, I completed an internship capstone in which I worked as a personal trainer with a client named Hayleigh for nine weeks. As an exercise science major pursuing a career in physical therapy, this experience allowed me to apply the knowledge I have gained in my coursework to a real training environment. At the beginning of the program, I assessed Hayleigh’s fitness level, goals, and any areas that needed improvement in order to design a safe and effective exercise program. I created three SMART goals that targeted Hayleigh's goals, along with tests to measure her improvement over the course of 9 weeks.
Hayleigh and I met every Tuesday/Thursday, where I would lead her through workouts that included resistance training, balance exercises, and functional movements designed to improve overall strength, stability, and fitness. Throughout the training process, I monitored her progress, adjusted exercises when necessary, and emphasized proper technique and injury prevention. This internship provided valuable hands-on experience in program design, coaching, and building a positive trainer-client relationship.
Reflection
Working with Hayleigh over the course of nine weeks was a meaningful experience that helped me grow both professionally and personally. One of the most important things I learned was the value of clear communication and encouragement when working with a client. Motivational cues are a very important aspect of personal training and can make the world of a difference for a client. Each session required me to explain exercises, demonstrate proper form, and adapt the workout based on how Hayleigh was feeling that day. This experience helped me build confidence in my ability to instruct exercises and think critically about how to modify movements when needed.
Throughout the program, I also learned how important it is to individualize exercise programs. Even when you plan a workout ahead of time, adjustments sometimes need to be made based on the client’s energy level, comfort, and progress. This experience taught me to be flexible and attentive so that I could ensure the exercises remained both safe and effective. Changing some exercises each week while still targeting the same muscle groups kept things interesting for Hayleigh. I also focused on gradually progressing Hayleigh’s workouts as she improved, which helped me better understand how to apply principles such as progression, overload, and recovery that I have learned in my classes.
Another important part of this experience was building a positive trainer–client relationship. Developing trust and creating a supportive environment helped Hayleigh feel more comfortable during workouts and more confident in performing the exercises. Seeing her progress over the 9 week span and become more comfortable with different movements was very rewarding. It showed me how much of an impact guidance, motivation, and consistency can have on someone’s fitness journey.
This internship also strengthened my interest in pursuing a career in physical therapy. Working one-on-one with a client gave me a better understanding of how movement, strength, and balance training can improve overall function and quality of life. It reinforced how important proper technique, injury prevention, and individualized programming are when helping someone reach their goals. I could see many similarities between personal training and physical therapy, especially when it comes to assessing movement, correcting form, and progressing exercises safely.
Overall, this experience allowed me to connect what I have learned in the classroom with the real-world. It allowed me to develop important professional skills such as leadership, communication, adaptability, and critical thinking. It also helped me gain confidence in my ability to work directly with individuals who are trying to improve their physical health and well-being. This internship has been one of the most valuable experiences so far during my undergraduate career and has further prepared me for the next step of pursuing a career in physical therapy.
Hayleigh completed weighted step-ups at least once a week to improve her lower body strength, as well as working on balance and ankle stability.
Hayleigh completed overhead tricep extensions while using proper body mechanics.
INShape Spring 2026 Class Photo
Feedback From Client
Every client was sent a feedback from after the 9 weeks were complete. Hayleigh was asked to list one of my strengths. Here was her response: "Lauren is a wonderful motivator. When I didn't think I could do 2 more reps, she pushed me to do it. Then once it was done, she would say with a smile, "See I knew you could do it and you just proved to yourself you could too." She is simply the best. She will make a great personal trainer one day; I am kind of envious of her future clients! :) Keep up the great work, Lauren!" Working with Hayleigh allowed me to grow so much as an individual as well as learn more about myself.