Alumni Profile: Paul Collins '06

Owner
Peak Condition
Major: Exercise Science

What are you doing now?
I own a training facility in Portland called Peak Condition. It's not your typical gym, and no it's not crossfit. We focus on using a healthy mixture of science (thank you, Linfield) and attitude to help our clients reach their health and fitness goals. Most of my time is spent training, however I've ventured out into other areas. I also own a cycling training company called Strada, which primarily focuses on preparing Cycle Oregon (CO) participants for their event. For those not familiar with CO, it's an amazing week long bike tour around the greatest parts of Oregon.

Tell us about yourself.
I grew up in Kings Valley, a little gem near Philomath. Our town had two stop signs and one store, the General Store. Even though life has taken me to Portland, Kings Valley is my peaceful home away from home.

Sometime in 2008, I pinned a picture of free diver Mike Rutzen reaching out and touching a great white shark in South Africa. Even though I had no desire to free dive with them, I've always wanted to see them up close. Fast forward to 2011, my fiance, Rachel Ruger (Linfield '04 alumna), and I were planning our honeymoon to South Africa. Obviously cage diving was on the agenda, however what we didn't know until we arriving at the dive shop in South Africe was that Mike was not only the owner but happened to be at the shop! He happily visited and shared stories of diving and life. It truly was an amazing day.

How did Linfield help prepare you for your career?
I know many freshmen college students that don't know what classes to take and are far from determining their major. Linfield's exercise science professors and students really made the decision for me. After taking Anatomy my freshmen year, I was sold. The interest all of the professors had for their classes was infectious. It was this level of commitment and dedication that I've really used in my career. As a strength and conditioning coach you always have to be up to date with the latest research/methods of training. I know every class I took at Linfield was taught with the highest level of expertise and enjoyment. It's my goal to provide that same experience for all my athletes.