Monterey Bay: The Magazine of CSU Monterey Bay Vol. 6 no. 2 | Page 15

Kinesiology students learn on the job at Peninsula Wellness Center

Wellness Tips
• Keep moving . Find what you like to do , whether it ’ s lifting weights , sports or Zumba , and do it . Our bodies are made to move .
• Focus on flexibility and mobility . Keeping our muscles and joints healthy is key to progression . Injuries just bring everything to a stop .
• Get sufficient sleep for healthy brain function and performance throughout the day .
• Food is fuel . Don ’ t take in more energy than you need .
• Be happy ! Take care of your mental health as well as your physical health .
– Jake Flores
Kevin Garcia
By Patia Stephens

Since opening in February 2011 , the Peninsula Wellness Center in Marina has employed kinesiology students and graduates from Cal State Monterey Bay . It ’ s a natural partnership .

Kinesiology – the science of human movement – is the fourth most popular major at CSUMB , enrolling 9 percent of students . They study the human body and physical activity , graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree .
To date , 15 CSUMB students and graduates have earned valuable experience working at PWC , which is part of Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula . Five currently are employed at the center .
“ It was a perfect fit , with CSUMB just down the street from our facility and well-known as a university with a top kinesiology program ,” said PWC General Manager Kristine Drinovsky . “ Kinesiology majors have the knowledge and expertise that we require .”
CSUMB interns and alumni work as personal trainers , group exercise instructors and exercise specialists . They perform fitness testing , check
blood pressure , prescribe exercise and offer equipment orientations .
Jake Flores ’ 10 has worked for PWC since June 2011 .
“ I was very lucky that the Peninsula Wellness Center opened shortly after I graduated ,” Flores said . “ I am from the area , went to college locally and love Monterey County . It ’ s a great facility with great coworkers and great gym members .” According to a recent Wall Street Journal article , kinesiology is one of the fastest-growing majors in the country . As the U . S . population confronts aging and weight gain , personal trainers and fitness instructors are in high demand .
Student Mariah Fulton works 15 hours a week interning as an exercise specialist at PWC . She ’ ll graduate this spring with her kinesiology degree and an emphasis in exercise science .
“ Working at the PWC has been a wonderful experience ,” Fulton said . “ I have learned so much from coworkers and the members .”
• Drink a glass of water before each meal . It will tell your body you are full , so you don ’ t overeat .
• Half of your plate should be fruits and vegetables .
• Reduce the amount of trans fat you eat to zero .
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator , or walk to class instead of driving .
• The hardest part of working out is getting out of bed , so bring a friend and make it fun .
– Mariah Fulton
15