“Just do it!”
Several students used that phrase to encourage others to participate in Pepperdine’s group fitness classes.
From yoga to Jiu-Jitsu, Pepperdine offers a variety of free group fitness classes designed to fit all students’ demanding schedules. In the hustle of college life, maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle can feel like an afterthought. However, Rob Bolton, director of Campus Recreation, said fitness isn’t just about staying in shape – it’s an important part of a student’s well-being and academic success.
“It’s a key component of the student experience,” Bolton said.
A Pepp Post poll of 50 students found that just over 50% of students participate in group fitness classes at least once a week. Roughly 72% feel better about their health and fitness after doing group workouts. Many students, like junior Alysha Burles, regularly take advantage of the opportunities that Pepperdine has to offer.
“It’s really important in college to take care of yourself,” said Burles, an integrated marketing communication student. “Planning out your workouts, whether that be at the Pepperdine Fitness Center or the classes, lining them up and planning out your day is really important.”
Building wellness and community
Bolton emphasized the impact exercise has on creating healthy habits in college and forming a community.
While staying active provides many physical health benefits, it also greatly impacts students’ mental health by serving as an outlet for stress relief. Dedicating specific time to exercise benefits students in the long run in developing time management skills essential for success, Burles said.
The poll found that most students are motivated to stay active for health benefits, weight loss and stress relief.
Additionally, exercise helps students find community among like-minded individuals, or “accountability buddies,” said Brooke Carter, a spin instructor and senior IMC student.
Kayla Pootz, a first-year international business student, is a regular at spin, circuit and pilates mat. She said she is motivated to exercise to practice self care, de-stress and keep her body in good condition.
“It’s been pretty smooth and welcoming, the instructors are very open and even if you’re not a pilates expert they welcome you with open arms,” Pootz said.
Growth often comes from challenging oneself. Pootz said the best way to improve and step outside of one’s comfort zone is to push past personal limits.
Overcoming personal obstacles to exercise can definitely be a challenge, but once one does, the benefits far outweigh the difficulties, Laurie Grubbs and Jason Carter wrote in a 2002 The Journal of Health Promotion and Maintenance article. According to their research, the college students who participated and overcame those challenges gained feelings of personal accomplishment, increased muscle strength and better health.
Promoting participation and growth Bolton said the most popular fitness classes this semester are strength with 209 participants, spin with 102, yoga with 80, bar with 57, jiu-jitsu with 40 and pilates with 37.
Burles, a regular spin class attendee and newly hired fitness monitor, has responsibilities that include supervising the front desk, checking in participants and setting up equipment for classes. She uses her personal experience to encourage others to participate.
“Just do it,” Burles said. “The thing I love most is the energy in the room and just the music, being able to ride to the music has been really fun.”
The excitement of students like Burles has drawn in other students.
“Every year it’s a challenge just trying to keep students informed on what we have to offer,” Bolton said. “It’s free so it’s a great resource we want all the students to know and take advantage of.”
A poll found that the majority of students occasionally exercise.
Bolton continues to implement different strategies to increase participation in all fitness activities. He said promoting classes consistently on social media has had the greatest impact. Together with his team, they decided to create an entirely new Instagram page for the Fitness Center separate from the Campus Recreation page.
Bolton also implemented signage on the road directing students to the facility and a large flag at the center.