Malik Newcombe ’22 Blends Skill, Knowledge in the Exercise Science Field

As an exercise science major, Malik Newcomb ’22 presented his research at regional conferences sponsored by New Hampshire INBRE (IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence), a program funded by the National Institutes of Health to promote biomedical research in the state. As a graduate, he received the baccalaureate award for exercise science. As a professional, Malik continues to excel and to contribute to his field.

Since graduation, Malik has worked as a personal trainer, group exercise instructor and group exercise coordinator at the River Valley Club, a comprehensive fitness center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. He works with a diverse population, including youth and recreational athletes, clients coming back from injury or looking to improve fitness and seniors who want to maintain their independence.

“I enjoy being able to have a hands-on job where I am able to noticeably make a difference in the lives of the people I work with,” said Malik, who hails from Exeter, New Hampshire but has lived in New London since graduation. “(It) is a wonderful atmosphere that encourages growth of each individual who enters.”

In his position, Malik creates new classes and manages space, inventory and equipment for group exercise. He teaches a class called Active Aging, which focuses on mobility and strength in older populations, as well as a High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) class.

“I have not only enhanced my professional skill set while working at River Valley Club,” Malik said, “but made meaningful connections with members and the community as a whole.”

Malik completed two internships as an undergraduate and said that both contributed to his development as a professional. The first, at Black Pearl Fitness in North Hampton, New Hampshire, gave him exposure to clients of all ages and abilities, each working on their own specific goals. It was in this position, he said, that he began his development as a trainer.

Malik’s second internship was in the Noninvasive Cardiology Stress Lab at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) in Lebanon, New Hampshire. At DHMC, Malik worked under exercise physiologists and observed pharmacological and exercise stress testing. He said the experience expanded his knowledge and skills and gave him an enhanced understanding of the cardiac system.

Both of Malik’s internships played a critical role in preparing him for the work he is doing now, and he is glad to be in a position in which he continues to learn and grow professionally. As he looked toward the future, Malik said he will continue to look for opportunities for growth.

“I hope to continue working in a facility where I am able to utilize my knowledge and skills to improve the quality of life of each person I work with,” he said. “Whether that be working with individuals, teams or in a healthcare setting, I hope to expand on my current knowledge base and continuously improve what I am able to offer the individuals I work with.”

The most recent outcomes report from the Harrington Center for Experiential Learning indicates that, like Malik, 100% of the Class of 2022 is employed or in graduate school. Read more about Colby-Sawyer graduate outcomes.