Functional Training Internship
In Partnership With Fresno State Kinesiology
Where Education Meets Application
Transitions Training is proud to partner with the Fresno State Department of Kinesiology, where our founder and lead coach, Gwint Fisher, M.A., teaches Structural Biomechanics and Motor Development.
This partnership allows us to offer a 12-week Functional Training Internship designed for students who want more than observation hours—students who want to learn how to coach movement, not just supervise exercise.
What Makes This Internship Different
Most internships expose students to gym operations:
This one trains future professionals.
The Functional Training Internship is a structured, competency-based program designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world coaching.
Students don’t just watch.
They learn, apply, track, and demonstrate mastery
Purpose Of The Internship
The purpose of the Functional Training Internship is to provide students with a valuable educational opportunity to:
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Apply academic knowledge in a practical setting
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Develop coaching skills grounded in biomechanics and motor control
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Learn how to assess, cue, and progress human movement
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Prepare for entry-level employment in personal training or strength coaching
This internship is intentionally aligned with industry expectations while maintaining academic rigor
K199- Internship Spring 2026-Sy…
What Students Learn
Movement First. Strength Second.
Interns are trained in the same Function First system used with all Transitions Training clients.
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Key learning areas include:
Movement Assessment & Screening
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Understanding and applying the Functional Movement Screen (FMS)
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Identifying asymmetries, imbalances, and compensation patterns
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Recognizing movement as a system, not isolated parts
Triple Chain Theory
Interns learn how to assess and coach movement through the lens of interconnected chains:
Chain 0:
Breath and alignment
Chain 1
Upper body
Chain 2:
Core and spine
Chain 3
Lower body
This Framework Guides:
Exercise selection
Progressions and regressions
Client-specific corrective strategies K199- Internship Spring 2026-Sy…
Stress, Adaptation, and Performance
Interns develop a working understanding of:
The stress arousal spectrum (hypostress → distress)
Resilience vs. toughness
The survival stress reflex
General Adaptation Syndrome
How stress influences movement quality and learning
Coaching Skills & Practical Application
Students gain hands-on experience with:
Coaching fundamental movement patterns
Tracking technique, effort, and discomfort (TED Compass)
Monitoring heart rate and training zones
Cueing breath, posture, and alignment
Designing incremental progressions from simple → compound → complex
Program Structure
Duration
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12 weeks
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In-person instruction at Transitions Training
Format
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Structured coursework
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Practical coaching experience
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Competency-based evaluation
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Ongoing feedback from the on-site preceptor
Evaluation
Students are assessed on:
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Attendance and professionalism
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Fitness journaling and reflection
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Demonstrated understanding of movement principles
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Final examination and competency completion
Who This Internship Is For
This internship is ideal for individuals who:
Want to become personal trainers or strength coaches
Value biomechanics, motor learning, and coaching precision
Are committed to learning—not just logging hours
Want real-world experience grounded in education, not trends
Are studying or interested in exercise science, kinesiology, or movement education
Current Format: University Credit
Currently, this internship is offered as a for-credit course through Fresno State for qualified students who meet departmental prerequisites and approval requirements
Future Format: Professional (Non-credit) Option
In the future, Transitions Training plans to offer this internship as a stand-alone professional education program, available to individuals outside the university system.
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Follow the same 12-week curriculum
Maintain the same instructional standards
Be available as a paid, non-credit pathway
Serve aspiring trainers seeking structured mentorship and education
Details will be announced as the program expands
Why This Matters
This internship reflects the core mission of Transitions Training:
To elevate the standard of fitness education by integrating science, movement quality, and purposeful coaching.
We don’t just train clients—we help train the next generation of movement professionals.
