Cindy Bernal
San Diego,CA
Summary
Licensed Physical Therapist and San Diego State University alumna with nearly 10 years of experience coaching and leading group fitness classes for collegiate athletes, club sports teams, and the general public. Experienced in designing evidence-based training programs that enhance athletic performance, reduce injury risk, and promote longevity. Passionate about mentoring student-athletes, building an inclusive team culture, and supporting SDSU Triathlon's mission of competitive excellence, leadership, and student success.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Acute Care Physical Therapist
Sharp HealthCare
San Diego
08.2023 - Current
- Deliver acute care rehabilitation across ICU, telemetry, neurology, orthopedics, and general medicine, progressing patients from bedside mobility to discharge-ready functional outcomes.
- Apply advanced knowledge of biomechanics, exercise prescription, and movement analysis to optimize functional performance.
- Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and case managers to develop individualized care plans and coordinate safe discharge planning.
- Educate patients on injury prevention, safe movement strategies, and long-term physical wellness.
- Contributed to hospital quality improvement initiatives supporting Joint Commission certification.
Group Fitness Instructor
Associated Students, San Diego State University
San Diego
08.2015 - Current
- Lead indoor cycling and strength training classes for groups of 10–40 participants, including SDSU Club Triathlon athletes, NCAA Division I Women's Swimming & Diving, students, faculty, and community members.
- Design progressive cardiovascular and strength-conditioning workouts that improve endurance, power, mobility, and overall athletic performance.
- Provide individualized coaching and exercise modifications to accommodate athletes with varying experience levels and training goals.
- Foster a positive, motivating, and inclusive team environment that encourages accountability, confidence, and personal growth.
- Mentor aspiring instructors through SDSU's Group Fitness Instructor Training Program.
- Continuously integrate current exercise science and coaching principles into programming.
Home Health Physical Therapist
Physio2Go
San Diego
07.2024 - 11.2024
- Developed individualized exercise programs focused on strength, endurance, balance, and functional mobility.
- Motivated patients to achieve meaningful physical goals through progressive exercise and education.
- Built strong therapeutic relationships that improved engagement and adherence.
Education
Doctor of Physical Therapy -
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA05-2023
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA05-2017
Skills
- Exercise prescription and programming
- Injury prevention and rehabilitation
- Leadership & mentorship
- Performance assessment and corrective feedback
- Class instruction and motivation techniques
Websites
Affiliations
- American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
- USA Triathlon (USAT)
Certification
- Licensed Physical Therapist (California)
- American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Mad Dog Athletics Certified Spinning Instructor
Timeline
Home Health Physical Therapist
Physio2Go
07.2024 - 11.2024
Acute Care Physical Therapist
Sharp HealthCare
08.2023 - Current
Group Fitness Instructor
Associated Students, San Diego State University
08.2015 - Current
Doctor of Physical Therapy -
San Diego State University
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology
San Diego State University
Coaching Highlights
- Nearly 10 years of coaching and instructing SDSU students, student-athletes, and community members through Associated Students.
- Extensive experience working with the SDSU Club Triathlon Team and NCAA Division I Women's Swimming & Diving.
- Expertise in endurance training, cycling instruction, strength and conditioning, exercise physiology, and injury prevention.
- Doctor of Physical Therapy with advanced knowledge of biomechanics, movement analysis, recovery, and performance optimization.
- Dedicated mentor committed to fostering teamwork, leadership, accountability, and athlete development.
- Proud SDSU alumna committed to supporting the continued success of Aztec student-athletes.
Awards & Leadership
Excellence in Research Award, Community Service Award, SDSU Student Research Symposium Presidential Award, California Physical Therapy Association Student Volunteer of the Year, Volunteer Coordinator, Doctor of Physical Therapy Student Association, SDSU Club Triathlon President