Kara Poldmaa

My name is Kara and I am a certified Athletic Trainer.  An Athletic Trainer creates a healthier environment that encompasses the needs of the active community, through to the high performance athlete. This program focuses on acquiring extensive knowledge, developing strong decision making skills, and becoming a contributing and caring professional in the health care field. It is an allied health care profession that focuses on the treatment and prevention of orthopedic and athletic injuries; rehabilitation and reconditioning, organization and administration, and professional responsibility. Some of my continuing education course work includes health and nutrition, youth health and fitness and sports psychology, and exercise for osteoporosis and arthritis.

I am presently employed at Lifeforia Wellness Club on a part time basis as a Personal Trainer/Group Exercise Instructor. This involves developing exercise programs for both class and one on one settings, and encouraging and modelling a healthy active lifestyle.  Some of the classes I currently teach are step aerobics, kickboxing, women and weights, cardio pump, and advanced plyometrics class.  Last winter I had the opportunity to work for Searchmont Resort. My position as School Program and Event Coordinator involved working on various projects throughout the winter to encourage younger kids to get into skiing and snowboarding. I also visited elementary schools to talk to kids about the importance of a healthy active lifestyle, and carry out a fun, 30 minute exercise class that involved movements similar to skiing and snowboarding. My work experience at the Group Health Centre as a Kinesiolgist involved assisting with patient modalities, daily rehabilitation, instruction of personal fitness programs, charting, and working collaboratively with other kinesiologists on staff. I also have experience developing and leading an after-school program in Garden River that provided activities and guidance promoting a positive and healthy lifestyle. I am an avid skier, and was a part of the Searchmont Ski Runners downhill race team for eight years. As well, I have experience, as a downhill ski coach, certified by the Canadian Ski Coach Federation, working with young athletes as a coach and mentor. I am and have always been actively involved and promote all types of physical activity for sport and for pleasure.