What is your name?
My name is Richard Leslie.

Give a little background history of yourself.
I'm originally from Jamaica and moved to the States when I was 16 y/o, I served in the U.S. Army for eight years where I worked in a hospital and later as a Flight Paramedic. Having to stay physically fit along with working in the health field got me even more interested in health and fitness, and so that's where my history of health and fitness started.

What made you decide to pursue this area of study (i.e. Personal Fitness Training)?
Even though I pursued a career in the electronic field after leaving the military, I continued exercising and training for myself. Then every once in a while I would have friends and people ask me if, I was trainer or "could you show me how to do a certain exercise on a machine". It then came to me that I could help others or even change lives, in doing something that I not only enjoy but is a part of my daily life. I figured the best way was to learn the things that I didn't know and get certified.

What made you to decide to pursue this interest in the Personal Fitness Trainer program at ACC?
ACC is an accredited school and is recognized by Universities all over. It was also convenient for me.

What was the hardest/worst part of the program?
The most challenging part for me was putting in the time, because I also work full-time. However I focused on getting the certificate versus the challenge.

What was the best/most beneficial part of the program?
Overall just having the amount of knowledge that you know most people don't have and of course my internship which I did at Westlake High School and BodyBusiness Fitness. The staff at both places were all helpful and I gained a lot of knowledge with actually training students to instructing my own class for members at the fitness center, while having fun.

Are you currently employed as a Personal Fitness Trainer? If so, at what capacity? If not, why not?
I am still working in my electronic position, however the company recently opened its own fitness center and I'm considering requesting for a position as a trainer for the employees. I was also open to take a position that was offered at the fitness center where I did my internship.

If you had a single piece of advice for someone interested in being a Personal Fitness Trainer, what would it be?
That you stay patient in whatever you do. Good luck!!