By Angela O.
He takes graduates for a run, trusted students into the woods for snowshoeing and plays football and basketball during Sunday activity with any students who sign up. However, these are only a few of the activities in which staff member Tommy Cummings is involved.
In December 2008, Cummings was notified that he had scored a 92 on the personal trainer certification test. The score meant that he was certified to be a personal trainer. Cummings is now eligible to be a part of The Family Foundation School’s athletic department, lead gym and weight training classes.
The process of being certified began in June of 2008, with a series of multiple choice questions and essays. Another part of the certification process was making educational films on weight training. The films that Cummings had to create showed several things: the exercise being done, the part of the body being worked by the exercise, and a critique of how the person performing the exercise was doing. Jim Kavarnos, a fellow staff member and friend of Cummings, and world champion weight lifter, provided support and guidance in Cummings’ effort.
Weight training has been a hobby for him for several years. “I wanted certification because I love weight training and it’s been a goal of mine,” said Cummings, “It’s a waste to not make use of the weight room when I have the skills to get people involved. I want to pass on the talents given to me to help others, just like the 12 steps.” Cummings is now certified nation-wide, and is teaching two weight training classes each week.
