An interview with Jaynie Bjornaraa, MPH, MS, PT, SCS, ATC, CSCS
Jaynie has been physical therapist since 1984, specializing in sports and orthopedic injuries (SCS). She is certified as a strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and has served on the NSCA Certification Commission and on the Board of Directors for the NSCA. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Rehabilitation Science at the University of Minnesota.
Interview
Q. What are some of the biggest obstacles you have faced as a woman in the health & fitness industry, any advice on overcoming them?
A. The majority of the obstacles have been trying to overcome the male stereotype or dominance in the athletic training and strength and conditioning world, particularly in working with sports teams that are male. It has been the case that coaches have been reluctant to invite women into their world - mainly because they are unsure about the response of their male athletes to a female working in that environment. This is particularly an issue at the professional level- football, rugby, hockey, etc. The question is how can you have them focus on your accomplishments and knowledge base vs. your physical being as a female........experience with male teams helps but I think the only way to show them is to get into camp and display that you are there to do your job and do it well. I am hoping I am able to do this in the near future at this level.
Q. What advice could you give to those just getting back into training after an injury?
A. Train wisely and don't overdo so that you are set back time and function-wise. Be patient and make sure your body can handle the demands placed upon it before moving up the training load. Work all aspects as well, weights for strength, skills for agility, cardio for fitness, flexibility, etc. Also make sure that the injury won't come back due to some biomechanical influence or something else that has not been resolved. Try to focus on the cause and not the symptoms.
Q. What did you need to get started, what advice could you share with students who are focused on a career in this field, what helped you the most was it the Bachelors or Masters degree, your certification please explain.
A. Get as much education as you can, as well as focusing on those certifications that have meaning and a good reputation. Constantly be on top of the industry and read journals, texts, etc.....practice what you preach and look the part as well. That speaks volumes.
Q. What made you choose this profession, was it a childhood dream, inspiration from a mentor, please elaborate.
A. I grew up in the weight room with my father....huge influence...so basically I followed in his footsteps and wanted to make sure I did something that helped others. I had a great role model in my dad and wanted to be that for others too. You can definitely influence your athletes in all aspects of life with this work.......just take the time to care.