SLU AT Summer Internship - Nutriformance

Students in the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Education Program have a required internship in the summer between their two professional years in the program.  The following blog post details a student's reflection on their internship experience.

Nutriformance - St. Louis, MO

By: Katie Schneebeck (SLU MAT Class of 2013)

My internship is with Nutriformance this summer. It is a small business and work out center, owned by Ellie and Dale Huff. They have a large and varied fitness team which includes: dieticians, physical therapists, athletic trainers, personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, and massage therapists. I have the opportunity to work with Heidi Frey, MA, ATC, CSCS. She is my clinical instructor for the summer. I am also working with one of my fellow classmates, Hilary Orf.  The three of us meet once a week to lay out a plan for the week. 

Back row: Nutriformance employees Randy Leopando and Heidi Frey

Front row: SLU AT students Katie Schneebeck and Hilary Orf

Our weeks involve: observing speed and agility classes and pulling athletes out that need extra coaching, following the progression of clients who work with ATs and PTs, taking part in group fitness classes, leading dynamic warm-ups and post-stretches, and getting to know each of the clients who walk through Nutriformance’s doors.  What sets Nutriformance apart from other fitness centers is that it has a Cheers kind of feeling, “where everybody knows your name.” It is very much like a family here at Nutriformance, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for us this summer. To pass the time, I’m working with Hilary on a presentation for a Nutriformance team meeting on ACL prevention programs. We are also working on creating our own work out circuits, based on our weaknesses and fitness goals as well. 

One of the more unique aspects of this internship is being able to perform tests on Hilary and myself. While at Nutriformance, we will have the opportunity to have our resting metabolic rate taken using a Korr Metabolic Rate Analysis machine (in the photo), our VO_2MAX tested, a digital video analysis of our running mechanics taken, and a personal nutrition session to discuss our nutritional status.

I feel very much at home at Nutriformance. This experience is opening my mind to a different side of rehabilitation, maintenance, and strength and agility programs. I’m happy to have this opportunity to meet some of the most encouraging people and be inspired by their constant flow of ideas as a team.