Matt Nelson

Experience

NASM Personal Trainer

February 2020 - Present (in-person/virtual sessions in client’s homes)

June 2010 -February 2020 (TruFit Personal Training Studios)

• Conduct personal training for weight loss and strength, enhancing client fitness levels.

• Design specialized programs for autism and intellectual disabilities, improving client outcomes.

• Coached and advised clients on the effective use of wrist and chest strap heart rate monitors to refine zone-based training and enhance HRV outcomes during cardio sessions.

• Implement SAQ techniques, boosting agility and coordination in diverse age groups.

• Support clients in achieving balance and posture goals, fostering long-term health benefits.

• Fostered inclusive training environment for special needs populations, adapting exercises to individual capabilities. Prioritized client comfort and progress.

Special Olympics Coach/Accessible Rec Leader at City of Evanston Accessible Recreation Department

October 2009 - Present

• Coach and train athletes with intellectual disabilities for competitions in Special Olympics events including aquatics, basketball, bocce, bowling, flag football, powerlifting, snowshoeing, and track & field.

• Served as Assistant Athletics coach for Team Illinois while guiding Special Olympics athletes to peak performance, resulting in successful participation in national-level competitions and fostering personal growth at the 2018 and 2022 Special Olympics USA Games

• Design and execute engaging outdoor camps, including unique concepts like Zombie Survival Camp, promoting creative problem-solving and adaptability in participants.

• Supervise individuals with disabilities including implementing behavior management plans and NCI (Non-violent Crisis Intervention) techniques during afterschool programs.

Product Tester at Brooks Shoes

April 2011-August 2013

• Tested prototype footwear by wearing new shoe designs prior to their commercial release, providingvaluable feedback on comfort, durability, and fit.

•  Conducted in-depth product testing across various conditions (e.g., walking, running, extended wear) to evaluate performance and identify potential issues.

• Collaborated with product development teams to communicate insights and suggest improvements based on personal experience and user feedback.

Business & Quality Analyst at Bottomline Technologies

January 2005 - April 2010.

• Performed functional and regression testing for client/server and web products, collaborating closely with developers on Agile projects to ensure robust software quality.

• Led cross-platform migration testing using Mercury Quality Centre, enhancing system reliability.

• Verified database integrity via SQL, ensuring robust data management.

• Extensive Browser acceptance testing (Java, HTTP, HTML/XML).

Systems Analyst at Fannie May Candies

August 1999 - February 2004

• Responsible for all ad-hoc query requests from upper management for extraction of sales, accounting, H/R, forecasting, logistics, and manufacturing/production data from AS/400

• Conducted comprehensive data quality checks to ensure accuracy throughout full data migration during system upgrades.

• Supervised an 8-person inbound service call, optimizing Hallmark Candy orders processes and enhancing customer satisfaction rates.

Education

NASM Certified Personal Trainer

National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

2014 – Present.

NASM Virtual Coaching Specialist (VCS)

National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

2024-Present

Diploma in Personal Training

National Personal Training Institute

2013 – 2014

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Philosophy, Pre-Med

University of Iowa

Activities and Societies: University of Iowa Men's Track Team