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Name: Art Koharian
Job Title: Fitness Specialist
Asphalt Green Department: Fitness
Asphalt Green Campus: Upper East Side
Q: How long have you been working at Asphalt Green?
A: I am the newest addition to the Fitness Department. I started working at Asphalt Green in July 2015, so it’s been a little over two months.
Q: What are some of your responsibilities?
A: My main responsibility is to provide results-driven personal training. In addition, I supervise the facility to ensure our members are exercising safely. I often assist members who are not familiar with our equipment to ensure they have a great experience in the gym.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of working at Asphalt Green?
A: I enjoy working with people directly and helping them achieve their fitness goals.
Q: How did you get into the fitness industry?
A: I played multiple sports when I was younger, and I was really interested in learning how to maximize my training. My boxing coach supported my passion and lent me a book on Olympic sports training. Since that day, I have continued to learn and read about fitness.
Q: What is your professional background?
A: I have formal education in my areas of expertise. I hold a Bachelor of Science in nutrition and exercise sciences from Queens College and a multitude of certifications including strength and conditioning specialist, functional movement screen level 1, and United States track and field coach level 1. I have worked in various professional settings including physical therapy offices, sports performance centers, and collegiate athletics.
Q: What is your favorite exercise?
A: I am fond of Olympic weightlifting. My favorite exercise is the hang clean, which is a modified version of the Olympic power clean. Once perfected—and it takes time to do so—it is the perfect exercise for building overall explosive power in one movement. My runner-up exercises are the deadlift and the chinup.
Q: Do you have any gym pet peeves?
A: Texting while working out does not yield results. Maximize your time by focusing all efforts on your workout.
Q: How do you embrace fitness in everyday life?
A: It is an integral part of my everyday life. I try to make healthy food choices that will benefit my overall physical condition. I take care of my body because it is the only one I will get. Many common health issues can be avoided with proper nutrition and regular physical activity. Self-care is more effective than healthcare!
Q: What are your go-to healthy snack or snacks?
A: Low-fat plain Greek yogurt and raw nuts.
Q: What is your favorite fitness tip or advice for new gym goers?
A: My honest advice to people who are new to physical activity is to be consistent and have realistic expectations of what you will achieve. It typically takes several years to put on excess weight and form unhealthy habits. Habits cannot be reversed overnight, and success relies on small, gradual changes.
Q: What is a fun fact or secret talent?
A: I have an awesome Balkan accent and am multilingual!