CHASE BROTHERS
Bodybuilder
Physical Trainer
Liberal Studies Major
ABOUT ME
Please enjoy reading about me by viewing the different sections of my e-portfolio
The Liberal Studies degree is a portfolio-based degree program. What that means is that Liberal Studies students are accountable for their education.
The purpose of this course is multifold. First, students will be introduced to the specifics of the liberal studies program and degree requirements. Second, students will be introduced to the scholarship of interdisciplinary studies.
Definition of Liberal Studies and Liberal Education
Liberal Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field that encompasses a broad range of subjects, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and sometimes arts. It focuses on providing students with a well-rounded education by integrating multiple perspectives and disciplines to foster critical thinking, creativity, and intellectual flexibility.
Liberal education refers to a philosophy of learning that emphasizes broad knowledge acquisition across various disciplines, along with the development of transferable skills like critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and ethical reasoning.
Self-development theory
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. This psychological theory, often discussed in liberal education, emphasizes the progression of human motivation through five levels of needs, from basic survival to self-actualization. It explores how individuals strive to achieve their full potential once foundational needs are met.
The journey of a bodybuilder aligns well with this framework because bodybuilding involves not just physical transformation but also mental and emotional growth.
Intellectual Autobiography
My name is Chase Brothers, and I was born and raised in Newark, Delaware, where my passion for physical activity was sparked early on. Growing up, I always enjoyed being active, and that love only deepened as I got older. Bodybuilding became not just a hobby but a way of life for me, and it was through this pursuit that I discovered my passion for teaching others about training. I developed my love for bodybuilding in high school and I was able to fully pursue it when I committed to Delaware State University. I realized that the gym is not just a place to exercise but a space to educate, empower, and help others achieve their fitness goals. This is what led me to choose kinesiology as my major, where I could combine my love for movement, health, and teaching into one fulfilling path. Three key events shaped my decision to major in kinesiology. First, my personal journey into bodybuilding taught me the intricacies of physical training and how important it is to understand the science behind it. Second, as I helped others in the gym, I saw the impact I could make by sharing my knowledge and guiding others toward their goals. Finally, I wanted to be more than just an expert in one area; I wanted to become well-rounded, with a deep understanding of the body, health, and fitness. Kinesiology offered the perfect foundation for me to become a more versatile trainer, capable of applying both science and passion in my work. I chose to focus on human movement and body mechanics because it aligns with my desire to help others train more effectively. My emphasis pattern has always revolved around teaching others the proper techniques in training, and I believe that becoming well-rounded in this field will make me a more effective trainer. Understanding not only the physical aspects of movement three but also the nutritional and psychological components allows me to provide a holistic approach to fitness, something I am very passionate about. In terms of my identity, I see myself as firmly rooted in the personal training world. My education in kinesiology allows me to approach fitness from a scientifically grounded perspective, ensuring that my clients receive the most accurate and effective guidance. My interdisciplinary approach, drawing on biomechanics, exercise physiology, and psychology enables me to offer personalized, well-rounded fitness programs that go beyond the superficial. I want to help people not just achieve their fitness goals but do so in a sustainable, healthy, and scientifically sound manner. Although I’ve always enjoyed science, it wasn’t until my junior year of high school that I realized my true passion was for health and human movement. As I dived deeper into subjects like anatomy, biomechanics, and exercise physiology, I found myself in love with how the human body functions and adapts to physical stress. This interest only grew stronger as I started applying what I learned to my own training and saw the profound effects of proper technique and structured programming. My academic journey has been one of blending my passion for science with my love of fitness, and kinesiology has given me the tools to pursue both. Moreover, my understanding of motor learning theories will help me tailor training programs that are specific to the needs and abilities of each client, ensuring that they learn and progress in the most effective way possible. Motor learning theories, such as the Fitts and Posner model and Schmidt & Lee (2014), outline the three stages of learning: cognitive, associative, and autonomous. In the cognitive stage, clients understand the task requirements, which I can 4 facilitate by providing clear instructions and demonstrations. As they progress to the associative stage, I will focus on refining their techniques and providing feedback to improve their performance. Finally, in the autonomous stage, clients can perform movements with minimal conscious effort, allowing me to shift my focus toward enhancing their overall training experience. This is a model I love to use when learning new skills. One of the biggest issues I see in the fitness world is the misinformation that spreads through social media and the internet. Many people fall victim to ineffective or even harmful training techniques because they trust unverified sources. My goal is to counteract this by using my education to provide clients with accurate, science-based advice. I want to ensure that people are training safely and effectively, helping them avoid injuries and reach their fitness goals with proper guidance. My academic interests in biomechanics, psychology, and exercise prescription all feed into my larger goal of becoming an elite trainer and bodybuilder. Understanding the functionality of the human body is key to helping my clients achieve their fitness potential, while my knowledge of psychology helps me motivate and connect with them on a personal level. In the future, I plan to continue learning and refining my skills, always staying at the forefront of research to ensure that I’m providing the best possible service to those I work with. Determination and consistency are two traits that define me both personally and professionally. In my bodybuilding journey, these characteristics have been essential, helping me push through challenges and stay focused on my goals. I am currently earning my ACE personal training certification. As I transition into the professional world, I know that these traits will continue to 5 serve me well, whether I am working with clients, pursuing further education, or continuing my personal training journey. While I’m still open to where my career may lead, my goal is to become one of the best bodybuilders in the world. Alongside this, I hope to build a reputation as a top-tier personal trainer known for my evidence-based approach and commitment to my clients' success. By combining my passion for fitness with the knowledge and skills I’ve gained through my education, I am confident that I can make a significant impact in the fitness world. Reflecting on my journey, it's clear that my passion for fitness and personal development has been the driving force behind both my academic and professional pursuits. My academic journey has been shaped by a desire to become well-rounded in my understanding of human movement, body mechanics, and physical health. The interdisciplinary nature of my education, drawing from biomechanics, exercise physiology, and psychology has allowed me to see the world through a unique lens that emphasizes optimal performance and long-term health. This approach is essential to my identity as a personal trainer, where I provide evidence-based, individualized care for my clients. Looking forward, my future goals include becoming one of the top bodybuilders in the world and building a career as a leading personal trainer. That is truly my ultimate dream and goal. My education in kinesiology, combined with my passion for fitness, equips me to tackle the challenges of misinformation in the fitness industry and help people navigate their health and wellness journeys effectively. I am determined to continue learning, growing, and making a positive impact in the world of fitness for years to come.
Disciplinary Research Paper
My emphasis area is kinesiology, and I am particularly interested in exercise physiology. This field focuses on how the body adapts to physical exercise, which aligns with my passion for understanding and improving athletic performance. Through my research in this discipline, I aim to shorten the gap between knowledge and practical applications in fitness training. Dr. William J. Kraemer, a leading scholar in the field of exercise physiology, has significantly contributed to understanding how resistance training influences muscular and cardiovascular adaptations, which has drawn me to explore his work further. Dr. William J. Kraemer is an absolute figure in exercise physiology, known for his extensive research on resistance training, strength development, and hormonal adaptations. He earned his Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology from the University of Wyoming in 1984. His academic career spans several reputable institutions, and he currently teaches at Ohio State University in the Department of Human Sciences. Before this, he held positions at universities such as the University of Connecticut and Penn State University. Dr. Kraemer teaches courses closely aligned with his research, including resistance training, sports science, and exercise physiology. His expertise lies in strength and conditioning, with a specific focus on the hormonal responses to physical exercise. His interdisciplinary work combines exercise science, biomechanics, and physiology, making him a well-rounded scholar and educator in the field. Dr. Kraemer’s primary research investigates how resistance training impacts muscle hypertrophy (growth) and hormonal responses in the body. He focuses on optimizing training programs for athletes and other populations, aiming to enhance physical performance while minimizing injury risks. His work also delves into the role of intensity, volume, and rest in resistance training, exploring how these variables influence neuromuscular and hormonal systems. One of Dr. Kraemer’s most influential publications is the article Hormonal Responses and Adaptations to Resistance Exercise and Training, which was published in the Sports Medicine Journal in 2005. In this article, he examines the hormonal changes, particularly in testosterone and cortisol, that occur in response to resistance training. These hormones are crucial for muscle growth, recovery, and overall physical adaptation. I found this article using the PubMed academic database, which provides access to a wide array of peer-reviewed scholarly publications. A key concept in Dr. Kraemer’s research is muscle hypertrophy, which he defines as the process by which muscles increase in size due to repeated mechanical stress from resistance training. This growth is driven by both mechanical tension on the muscles during exercise and the metabolic stress that follows. In his work, Dr. Kraemer also frequently refers to the overload principle, a foundational theory in exercise science that suggests muscles must be subjected to greater stress than they are accustomed to for growth and adaptation to occur. This principle is crucial in developing effective strength training programs. Dr. Kraemer often employs randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as a research method, which allows him to systematically compare the effects of different training variables (such as intensity and rest intervals) on muscular and hormonal responses. This method involves dividing participants into randomized groups to examine specific interventions and how they affect outcomes such as strength, muscle mass, and hormonal changes. One notable study used this approach to compare high-intensity versus low-intensity resistance training on athletes, providing clear evidence of how intensity impacts physiological outcomes. Dr. Kraemer views resistance training as an essential component of both athletic performance and general health. Through his physiological lens, he explores how various training variables can be adjusted to maximize the body’s adaptation to physical stress. His approach is deeply rooted in scientific inquiry, and he consistently emphasizes the importance of individualized training programs that are based on scientific evidence. By tailoring training to meet individual needs, his research aims to enhance performance and prevent injuries. Researching Dr. William Kraemer has greatly expanded my understanding of exercise physiology, particularly in relation to resistance training. His scholarly work demonstrates how scientific research can inform practical training techniques, providing a foundation for evidence-based fitness programs. This exercise has deepened my appreciation for the role of scientific inquiry in the development of effective training interventions, which will benefit me as a future fitness professional. By integrating Dr. Kraemer’s insights into my practice, I am better equipped to help clients achieve their fitness goals safely and efficiently.