April Trainer of the Month
The YMCA of Parkersburg's Trainer of the Month is designed to help you get to know the trainers that help make our Y community great. This month, we’re introducing Ben Greene. Ben is one of the Y’s exceptional personal trainers and writes blogs for the Parkersburg YMCA. Let’s get to know him:
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself: what are some fun facts about you?
I graduated from Ohio University in 2019. I am a National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, American Council on Exercise (ACE) certified Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist in The BioMechanics Method (TBBM). In my spare time, I like to prep to compete in powerlifting competitions.
2. What fitness class(es) do you instruct?
I am a personal trainer for the Y so all my sessions are by appointment only.
3. When and why did you become a trainer? What's your style of training?
I became a trainer in the Spring of 2019. I learned through many years of being in and out of Physical Therapy that improving the strength in my hip, core, and hamstrings was the key to overcoming my reoccurring knee injury. I quickly fell in love with training and wanted to help others become stronger and better versions of themselves as well. My personal style of training is using strength training to improve my squat, bench and deadlift for powerlifting competitions. However, I place a large emphasis on my imbalances and joint health to combat my old injuries while preventing any potential future injuries.
4. Tell us a little bit about the fitness class(es) that you instruct.
My style of training others stems from a recovery mindset, using strength training to build muscle fiber density, bone density, improve the ability of the central nervous system to adapt to daily demands, to ultimately help my clients integrate fitness into their lifestyle in a way that is sustainable for them. Based on my clients’ goals, I identify their biggest weaknesses so we can work on turning those weakness into strengths through functional movement patterns, and corrective exercises.
5. What is your most favorite part about instructing at the YMCA of Parkersburg and why?
My favorite part about training at the Y is watching the progress of my clients over time and seeing them complete exercises they once thought they would never be able to do. The Y truly has something for everyone, whether you want to lift weights, go swimming, play basketball, play volleyball, or just chill in the steam room or sauna. The Y is a supportive environment for all ages and abilities and I’m thankful to be a part of that.
For more information about group fitness classes and trainers, please contact Crystal Leonard, Health & Fitness Coordinator, at 304-485-5585, ext. 213 or crystal.leonard@parkersburgymca.org.