We have a very talented and energetic group of students participating in the FIT Rx internship in individualized exercise prescription for Spring 2015. These eighteen students will be working directly with 75 members of the Furman Faculty, Staff, and spouses to implement exercise programs that improve health outcomes.
Meet the Spring 2015 FIT Rx trainers!:
Back row from left to right: Andy Kopel (handstand), Phil Zranchev, Abby Henry, Bailey Butler, Jo Wilks, Stefan McManus, Caroline Brown, Stephanie Devita, Sarah Hurtado, Jenny Pearsall, Stone Sun, Andrew Schwartz (handstand)
Middle row from left to right: Natalie Malafronte, Sarah Stanley, Amanda Floyd, Deana Anastai
Front row from left to right: Lin Marzialo, Shannon Murphy
Deana Anastasi
Class: Senior, Health Science Major
Intended Career Path: Nursing
Exercise History: Walking, spinning classes, hiking
Favorite Healthy Food(s): Shrimp, sweet potatoes
Why did you want to participate in FIT Rx?: I would like to work with people on a regular basis and apply all that I have learned. I would also like to learn more about disease prevention.
Caroline Brown
Class: Senior, Health Science Major
Intended Career Path: Physical Therapy
Exercise History: Dance 15 years, Swim 16 years, basketball, field hockey, elliptical trainer, weight training, Zumba
Favorite Healthy Food(s): Apples, bananas
Why did you want to participate in FIT Rx?: I enjoy exercising and want to share my enthusiasm for it with my clients. I like learning about the health benefits that exercise provides. This is a great opportunity for me to work one-on-one with others and learn how to create structured exercise routines.
Bailey Butler
Class: Junior, Health Science Major
Intended Career Path: Nursing
Exercise History: Pure Barre, Cross-Fit, Zumba, Spinning classes
Favorite Healthy Food(s): Enlightened Spinach Salad from Mellow Mushroom
Why did you want to participate in FIT Rx?: I want to immerse myself in the Furman community and meet new people.
Stephanie Devita
Class: Junior, Health Science Major
Intended Career Path: Sports Performance Training
Exercise History: Furman Soccer, running, weight lifting
Favorite Healthy Food(s): Fruit! Asparagus
Why did you want to participate in FIT Rx?: I would like to help people become healthier
Amanda Floyd
Class: Senior, Health Science Major
Intended Career Path: Nursing
Exercise History: Elliptical trainer, dancing, group exercise classes
Favorite Healthy Food(s): Hummus, salmon
Why did you want to participate in FIT Rx?: I am looking forward to working one-on-one with participants and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Sarah Hurtado
Class: Junior, Health Science Major
Intended Career Path: Physical Therapy
Exercise History: Running, spinning, weight lifting
Favorite Healthy Food(s): Sweet Potatoes
Why did you want to participate in FIT Rx?: I am excited to help people meet their goals and share my love of exercise!
Andy Kopel
Class: Junior, Health Science Major
Intended Career Path: Undecided
Exercise History: gymnastics, diving, Cross-Fit, track, cross country, rugby, soccer
Favorite Healthy Food(s): Egg whites, walnuts, Greek yogurt
Why did you want to participate in FIT Rx?: I would like to further my experience working with other people and to see if this is a career that I would like to pursue.
Natalie Malafronte
Class: Senior, Health Science Major
Intended Career Path: Sports Medicine Physician
Exercise History: Trainer for 9Round, Cross-Fit competitions, Mixed Martial Arts
Favorite Healthy Food(s): oatmeal
Why did you want to participate in FIT Rx?: I love creating workout plans and seeing people change their lifestyles.
Lin Marzialo
Class: Senior, Health Science Major
Intended Career Path: Physical Therapy
Exercise History: Division 1 soccer, has completed several marathons and half marathons, enjoys rock climbing and various sports
Favorite Healthy Food(s): Black beans (“the most underrated food”) and salsa
Why did you want to participate in FIT Rx?: I would like to meet new people and help them learn about different ways to exercise. Exercise is fun!
Stefan McManus
Class: Senior, Health Science Major
Intended Career Path: Respiratory Therapy
Exercise History: Soccer, cross country, track
Favorite Healthy Food(s): Blueberries
Why did you want to participate in FIT Rx?: I want to help change someone’s life and put a smile on their face.
Shannon Murphy
Class: Senior, Health Science Major
Intended Career Path: Marketing/ Sales
Exercise History: Furman Track Runner, just completed first half marathon, new member of Furman Triathlon Club, exercise classes, Bar method, yoga, kickboxing
Favorite Healthy Food: Smoothies
Why did you want to participate in FIT Rx?: I like helping people achieve their goals plus I love to share my love of healthy eating and exercise to help motivate others.
Jenny Pearsall
Class: Senior, Health Science Major
Intended Career Path: Public Health
Exercise History: Running and biking on the Swamp Rabbit
Favorite Healthy Food(s): Yogurt with raspberries and peaches
Why did you want to participate in FIT Rx?: I feel so much more energized since I made the decision to incorporate exercise into my daily life. I am passionate about helping others discover the same energy!
Andrew Schwartz
Class: Junior, Health Science Major
Intended Career Path: Army Physical Therapy
Exercise History: Soccer, wrestling, mixed martial arts, powerlifting, Cross-Fit, gymnastics, strength training, army physical training
Favorite Healthy Food(s): Olive oil, macadamia nuts, broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts, apples, sardines
Why did you want to participate in FIT Rx?: I would like to gain experience for personal training and physical therapy.
Sarah Stanley
Class: Junior, Health Science Major
Intended Career Path: Physical Therapy
Exercise History: various sports, attend mother’s exercise classes, enjoy being active outdoors
Favorite Healthy Food: Ants on a Log (celery, raisins, peanut butter)
Why did you want to participate in FIT Rx? I love sharing what I love with other people and working one-on-one.
Stone Sun
Class: Senior, Health Science Major
Intended Career Path: Undecided
Exercise History: I have always played basketball and other aerobic exercises. I just started weight training last year. Sweat makes me happy.
Favorite Healthy Food(s): Blueberries
Why did you want to participate in FIT Rx?: I want to use my social skills and training expertise to improve the lives of others.
Jo Wilks
Class: Junior, Health Science Major
Intended Career Path: Physical Therapy
Exercise History: Furman Volleyball, weight training, sprinting
Favorite Healthy Food(s): Asparagus
Why did you want to participate in FIT Rx?: I am excited to work with people instead of just sitting in a classroom. It will really be helpful for Physical Therapy as well!
Phil Zranchev
Class: Senior, Health Science Major
Intended Career Path: Physical Therapy, Personal Training
Exercise History: Baseball, football, squash, weight lifting
Favorite Healthy Food(s): Roasted peanuts, spinach, broccoli
Why did you want to participate in FIT Rx?: I would like to exercise my knowledge that I obtained in HSC 244 Scientific Principles of Training and other Health Science courses. I’d also like to become more familiar training people of various backgrounds.
Don’t be fooled by their ferociousness, these students are eager to help you incorporate more physical activity into your lifestyle.
Learn more about the FIT Rx Program here:
FIT Rx: Health Science Majors Promote Exercise as Medicine