Faculty Profiles

Carla Hardy

Carla Hardy, M.S., teaches Fitness and Exercise Science at Ashworth College. Carla is certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association as strength and conditioning specialist, and by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America as a group exercise instructor. She has served as a high school track coach, personal trainer, exercise physiologist and group exercise instructor.

Carla graduated from the University of Memphis with a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion in 2001. She earned her Master's Degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Southern Mississippi 2002. Carla currently works as a full-time Wellness Coordinator at Corporate Sports Unlimited.

A natural athlete with a lifelong interest in sports and exercise, Carla's decision to make a career in health and fitness came easily. But as she gained more experience in the field, she discovered how much she enjoys helping people.

"You'd be surprised how many people don't know how to take care of themselves as far as staying healthy and exercising properly, and how that affects their lives," she says. "I love putting them on the right track. It's rewarding when you can change their state of mind and how they think about their bodies."

Carla also enjoys the opportunity that distance education provides to interact with students. "I hear from Ashworth students all the time when they have questions or if there's something they can't figure out. It's essentially the same as working one on one with individuals at Corporate Sports Unlimited because I'm imparting my knowledge to help them reach a goal."

As a teacher as well as a professional who works directly with clients in the field of exercise science, Carla enjoys the best of both worlds. She embraces the opportunities she has to enhance people's personal health and fitness while also teaching students who have chosen a career in this burgeoning field.