An Introduction to Balance

Valen began his journey in fitness after tearing his ACL in high school playing basketball. His experience in rehabilitation opened his eyes to Physical Therapy and later volunteered to learn more about the profession. This experience drove him to pursue exercise to better his knowledge and improve the lives of others through movement.

Through his studies as a Kinesiology major at CSUN, he was chosen to oversee the 3 Wins Fitness Champions for Life program as the Executive Champions for Life Director. He led the expansion from one park to sixteen and the program was exclusively for seniors. While doing so, he led his own park, trained all the incoming students, led research, and created daily agendas for individuals with Arthritis, Type 2 Diabetes, movements limitations, and disabilities.

At CSUN’s Center of Achievement, Valen was given the opportunity to evaluate a client with Guillain Barre Syndrome as well as work with three stroke clients and one cerebral palsy client during his year long experience. He practiced techniques such as manual flexibility, manual resistance, manual muscle testing, goniometry, postural assessments, gait assessments, balance, muscular strength and endurance exercises to help his clients move and feel better.

Valen enjoys spending time with his family going to the movies, playing basketball on Sundays, doing archery with his brother, reading books and research articles to better his knowledge, training his baby boomer parents to help maintain their independence and improve their quality of life.

Valen earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology Exercise Science from the California State University Northridge in 2018 and is currently attending a Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of St. Augustine. He obtained a Group Fitness Certification and Senior Fitness Specialization from the American Council on Exercise as well as a Functional Aging Specialization from the Functional Aging Institute.