The FAST Trainer of the Month is designed to help you get to know the trainers and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists at FAST. Our July Trainer of the Month is Kyle Schneider, facility manager at our Ahwatukee location. Read on to learn more about Kyle and his vision for fitness, wellness and what motivates him.
What’s your educational background?
I went to the University of Wisconsin—La Crosse where I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise and Sports Science, with an emphasis in fitness and a minor in nutrition. Along with my Bachelor’s Degree, I’m a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Along with being the FAST Ahwatukee facility manager, I also play a role on the administrative side for FAST. I work alongside all our locations to ensure things are running smoothly and help make sure our numbers are accurate and data is accessible and easy to understand.
What inspired you to embark on the fitness journey with your career?
From a young age I always enjoyed being active (athletics and leisure) as well as helping others. It made sense to combine the two and do something I’m happy about every day. It’s an amazing feeling to be a motivating factor in other’s reaching their goals and making those relationships in the process.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give anyone interested in becoming a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist?
Invest in your clients. Too often clients are viewed as a way to make money or just another number and if that is how you view them, you’ll most likely treat them as such. You can have all of the knowledge, all of the equipment, all of the titles to your name, but if you don’t take the time to invest in your client relationships, it will be hard to retain any client base. Care about them and their goals/needs and you will find success in training. Also, know what you don’t know and don’t be afraid to communicate with others if what they are seeking is outside your scope of practice/knowledge
What’s your favorite workout style?
I try not to get too caught up in any one specific style. I believe that everyone has individual needs/limitations which need to be taken into consideration when programming. I feel that most everyone could use more posterior chain (back, glutes, and hamstrings) strengthening and higher intensity cardiovascular training. We live in a society which is seated too often and we develop rounded/slouched posture, tight hip flexors/hamstrings/chest, and weak posterior muscles.
What’s your favorite song to listen to when working out?
Anything by the band Shinedown–albums “Leave a Whisper” or “Sounds of Madness” are favorites.
What’s your favorite thing to eat after a workout?
I have a sweet tooth, so I love chocolate milk afterwards. It has a great ratio of carbs/protein and tastes great!
What’s one food that you can’t live without?
I always crave a good dessert, but I think pizza is a food item I would have a hard time living without. You can do it up in so many ways with toppings, sauces, and crust types!
What’s the best advice you have ever received?
Do what you love and love what you do. If you wake up each day dreading what’s to come, make a change. If you’re going to do something, do it the best you can with the best intentions.
What motivates you?
Improvement; each day is a new opportunity to grow personally and professionally.
Do you have more questions for Kyle or want to book a training session with him? Contact the Ahwatukee location today to connect with Kyle and his team.