CMU graduate student helps local high schooler get “MADE”
MTV’s popular reality show “MADE” is all about helping people reach their goals and potential.
One of CMU’s own doctoral students had the opportunity to help a high school student do just that.
Kip Hartman, who is in his last year of the physical therapy program, will appear on the television show’s seventh season as Mount Pleasant High School senior Katie Keske’s personal trainer and motivator.
Keske’s goals for the show, which already has been taped, were to lose 20 pounds and be voted prom queen at her high school.
“At times it was difficult to keep her motivated,” Hartman said. “She had never been through a rigorous physical program before.”
Hartman had Keske on a meticulous workout regimen, which included low-impact, high-intensity aerobic exercises.
“She had some back issues, so we had to be careful,” Hartman said. “To help with that we focused on strengthening her core.”
In addition to Keske keeping with her workout, she also had to stick to a 1,600 calorie-per-day diet.
“I wouldn’t call it a ‘diet,’” Hartman said. “More that she was watching what she ate.”
Keske may not have achieved her goal of becoming prom queen, but she did lose the 20 pounds in six weeks. Hartman said his favorite part of the experience was the challenge.
“She wasn’t very motivated and she had some pretty lofty goals,” he said. “I always had to be on my toes.”
Hartman said the challenge also was the most difficult part mainly because of the time constraints. He said they worked out three to four hours a day; in addition, he had to contend with his job and class work.
“I was working 18 hours a day at work and school,” he said. “I wasn’t getting much sleep.”
Hartman said he got interested in the physical therapy program after he had to go through physical therapy in high school.
Clinical Physical Therapy Supervisor Julia Keepper of Wellness Central Fitness was the one who encouraged Hartman to apply for the position.
Keepper said she thinks Hartman did a good job working with Keske and being in front of the cameras.
“He always does an excellent job with the clients,” she said. “He gives it his all and individualizes everything; he listens to what people want to accomplish and helps them.”
Hartman and Keepper both are eager to see the episode, which airs sometime in July.
“The first couple days, it was a little awkward,” Hartman said about being in front of the cameras. “I’m nervous about seeing myself on TV. It’s difficult to even hear myself on a voice recording.”
In addition to Hartman’s family having all their Tivos set for the show, Keepper is hoping to have a screening at Wellness Central Fitness.
“We want to have it on all the TV’s and have Kip signing autographs,” Keepper said.
