From physical therapy to management to training development, meet Omi Iwasaki,  from Athlete’s Performance, Inc, a company which has all the necessary components to optimize people’s health and wellness through education and training needs.   – Sarah

What attracted you to the field of fitness and exercise? I entered college not knowing what I wanted to do with my life, but I had always been fascinated with how the human body worked.  I knew I wanted a career that was hands on working with the human body and helping people, so I first started my career in athletic training working with collegiate athletes for injury prevention and rehabilitation.  I later returned to school for physical therapy seeking more knowledge about the human body and rehabilitation.

Your Job Title? Curriculum Manager, Performance Innovation Team

Company you are with now? EXOS; a Human Performance Company

Website: http://www.teamexos.com

Describe a typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you. I sit on the Performance Innovation Team for Athletes’ Performance, Inc. which handles all things methodology and education, servicing both our Athletes’ Performance and Core Performance brands.  Currently my job responsibilities are mainly to coordinate, plan, support, and create on-boarding and continuing education and training for our Core Performance brand.  I also interface with our Core Performance team members in the field, to help with any continuing education and training needs.

How did you get your current job in fitness and exercise? I started with Athletes’ Performance in one of our Elite Athlete Training Facilities in 2003 working directly with professional and elite athletes as a Performance Physical Therapist.  I transitioned to our Performance Innovation Team in 2009 and started working more “behind the scenes” with integrating our methodology and education with our Athletes’ Performance clients and partnerships.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way? I think most people are born with a certain work ethic and motivation.  I feel a lot of this is also shaped and refined by your family and friends.  It is not to say that you could not learn these attributes, but I feel that sometimes you either have it or you don’t.  Life and experience is where you continue to hone the knowledge from your education, training, and skills and also refine the things you have learned along the way.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you?  I know it is a cliché but success takes hard work, continued motivation, and a continued drive to better yourself.  I have learned so much in my life from every experience and person I have been fortunate to work with.  A solid education will set you up to have the foundation for success, but most of it is what you do with your life after your formal education.  There is so much more to learn in life and no one is going to just give you the information.  You must strive and seek out new information and ways to better yourself.  I think that is what helps you become successful and fulfilled.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what would it be? That is a good question.  I would just need to make sure my family is taken care of, and I am able to spend quality time with my friends and family.

Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist specializing in Weight Management and Sports Nutrition for youth and adults. She writes articles for multiple publications, provides customized nutrition coaching, and is a brand spokesperson. She is founder of Family. Food. Fiesta.Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.