Interview with Alex

We at Formative Fitness pride ourselves on being the “go to” trainers in Traverse City.  We’re known for our professionalism, in depth knowledge of a wide variety of training techniques, and for always paying close attention to proper technique and form – every client, every exercise, every session. In order to help our clients get to know us a little better, we decided to feature a different trainer each week in our blog and answer a series of questions about both our personal and professional lives.  We hope you enjoy this series!

Name: Alex Sanderson

Age: 28

Where are you from originally?

Traverse City

Do you have a college degree? If so, what is your degree in?

Yes, exercise science from Concordia university 

Tell us something interesting about you that most people don’t know. 

I’m a sucker for rom coms, also I compete in strongman competitions 

What do you do in your spare time?

train for strongman, work in my wood shop, eat, try to catch up on tv shows but usually fail at that. 

What is your favorite way to spend a day off?

sleep in a little, make breakfast for my girlfriend and I, relax around the house and maybe visit with family. You know, the good boring stuff. 

What is the most memorable trip you’ve taken and what made it so memorable?

traveling to Australia opened my eyes to another culture, that although someone lives in the other side of the planet, we can find common ground with one another because we are all one people. 

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I would love to Greece, for its history, cool looking buildings and food. Also Iceland because I’ve heard great things and hafpthor Björnsson lives there. 

What are a few items on your personal bucket list?

to have a training session alongside a professional strongman, do what I love for work full time, own my own home with my girlfriend. 

Do you have any pets?  If so, what kind and what are their names?

no 

What is your favorite season, and why?

summer. It’s warm, and there is more to do. 

Why did you become a trainer? Any specific “ah ha” moment that influenced your decision?

seeing someone achieve goals and knowing you played a small part on their success is a feeling that cannot be described, but when I felt it I knew I was on the right path. 

What fitness certifications do you have?

Currently re-certifying, previous was through ISSA. 

How long have you been a personal trainer?

about 4 years 

What are a few items on your professional bucket list?

to work with as many different types of clients as possible 

How often do you attend/take continuing education courses or go to fitness conferences?

not as often as I would like, however since working at formative fitness I know I will be pursuing that more heavily. 

What type of training are you most interested in/best at instructing? (ie weight lifting, functional strength, HIIT, TRX, bodybuilding, etc.)

weightlifting/bodybuilding. It’s what I do personally and what I love most, but I am open to all forms of fitness!

Do you work with a diverse group of clients or specialize in a particular group?

diverse group, all ages and genders and ability levels 

What is your training philosophy?

strength comes first. Once the base of strength is built, many other styles can be incorporated. s

In your opinion, why is form so important when working with clients?

muscles move and are worked properly when proper form is used. Good form, is safe and effective. 

What makes you a great trainer?

I am fun to be around, I challenge clients, and I am extra critical and am always always paying close attention.