Working it Out

The sun has yet to rise when Shannon Townsend starts her day at 5 a.m., making her the star of the show as she coaches three Orangetheory Fitness classes before heading to campus for her physical therapy (PT) studies.

“Physical therapists create meaningful relationships with their patients that transcend patient care and deliver lasting results,” the School of Health Professions student says. “I chose PT for the human connection and the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives.”

With her passion for wellness and helping others reach their fitness goals, Townsend’s role at Orangetheory integrates seamlessly with her Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum. Citing the fitness studio as the jumpstart she needed to prepare for her future in PT, Townsend says her coaching duties have given her a strong foundation for understanding movement patterns and gaining a better understanding of how those movements influence everyday activities. Based on clients’ needs and fitness levels, she is continually tasked with modifying workouts and inspiring class participants.

Whether the classroom has desks and textbooks or treadmills and dumbbells, Townsend’s skills are transferable. “My physical therapy knowledge allows me to educate Orangetheory members, providing them with a better understanding of the human body and emphasizing the ‘why’ behind the exercises we perform,” she says. “Likewise, Orangetheory provides me with fresh ideas and a variety of movements that I can use in patients’ rehabilitation journeys.”

In January, Townsend celebrated her four-year anniversary of coaching at Orangetheory. Coupled with seven years of working as a PT aide at a local practice and her experience volunteering with the Adele Smithers Parkinson’s Disease Treatment Center’s Rock Steady Boxing classes, it is clear that she has not only found her calling but is thriving in the field.

In the classroom, Townsend is part of a PT research study analyzing data to understand the value of PT student in-services and the impact they have on a clinic. Physical therapy services offer students an opportunity to give back after their clinical experience, Townsend explains. Typically, this is a PowerPoint presentation, but her research study hopes to evolve this in-service into something more meaningful to both the patient and the clinic.

With graduation soon approaching, Townsend looks forward to studying for relevant board exams and kicking off her career. Having enjoyed working in pediatrics and outpatient orthopedics, she hopes to refine her skills and continue to grow in both PT subdivisions.

“Seeing progress and feeling the impact we make on patients’ lives is what makes physical therapy so fulfilling,” she says. “Embrace the challenges, grow from them, learn from them, and trust the process.”