Written by Isa Riano, Advertisement Manager
The Wellness Center kicked off with an open house event on Tuesday, Jan. 18, where trainers informed students about the various classes available in their building. Lions who attended were not only interested in learning about the various group and individual sessions offered by the instructors, but they were also interested in learning how to stay healthy as college students.
The main goal of this event was to encourage students to learn different ways to avoid a nomadic lifestyle while remaining physically active.
“We are trying to spread the word about our Zumba classes, intramural sports, personal training sessions, aquatic courses, and other activities,” said Conner Kilpatrick, director of fitness and recreation. “However, even if lions aren’t interested in participating in any of our classes, we would love to see them at the gym and getting out of their comfort zone.”
Knowing that the event would take place the day before classes began, the organizers anticipated that attendance would be low.
“Not everyone feels Jan. 17 as the start of the semester,” said Laurie Striepling, a pilates instructor at the Wellness Center.
To encourage students to attend the event, the organizers held a giveaway in which they gave away a Benedict’s Coffeehouse gift card and a FUZ gift card to a student who spoke with personal trainers, group session trainers, intramural sports trainers, and staff in charge of aquatics and certifications in that area. To prove that students spoke with all of them, they had a sheet that each responsible staff member had to sign.
This strategy was effective in encouraging students to get all four signatures.
“A FUZ gift card would really help me out,” said Noah Henry, a senior majoring in clinical psychology.
Students who attended the event expressed their appreciation for physical activity and how it has changed their life.
“Sports have always been a big part of my daily routine,” said Henry. “It is fun to connect with other people and challenge myself in a competitive environment.”
Although attendance at the Wellness Center’s yoga and pilates classes has been high, instructors have considered canceling classes that do not appear to be in the best interests of students.
“We had a belly dancing class last semester, but it has been discontinued because it did not seem to attract students,” Kilpatrick explained.
When asked what makes the wellness center’s classes unique, instructors stated that they are dependable and affordable.
“Saint Leo students have the invaluable benefit of receiving free personal training,” said Julia Ahaus, the graduate assistant for fitness. “We are licensed trainers, not just enthusiastic exercisers who have agreed to train students,” Ahaus explained.
Many Lions may have made becoming more physically active a goal for the new year, and the wellness center is the ideal place to make this dream a reality! Students interested in enrolling in classes at the Wellness Center should visit https://wellness.saintleo.edu and follow @saintleowellness on Instagram for updates.
