workout equipment that is provided.
Not only is there new equipment and workout spaces, but there are workout classes you can take led by fellow classmates.
Katie Votel, a sophomore Samford student, is also a certified Pilates instructor. Since the opening of Seibert, Votel has led Pilates classes for her peers.
Votel starts her Pilates classes by getting to the workout room ten minutes early to prepare for the early people to trickle in. Votel likes to take the time before the class to meet new people.
“It’s really fun to meet new people I wouldn’t have otherwise. It makes my circle bigger,” Votel said.
That was the goal of Paul Anderton, the Assistant Director of Fitness and Training for Campus Recreation. Anderton believes the personalities of the student workers come to fruition when teaching their classes.
“Being with the students is energizing,” Anderton said.
Although the student-led workout classes are not a new addition to Campus Recreation, they have been completely revamped since Anderton has come to this position.
His vision is to make 70% of the workout classes provided student led. Anderton remarked how thankful he is to have gone from being over fitness at the YMCA back to his alma mater to lead a program that is not only his craft, but with student workers who have made the transition smooth.
Votel leads three Pilates classes a week but also makes sure to change up her curriculum to make sure none of the attendees fall into a routine. She picks exercises that can work for people who want a lower or higher difficulty.
“The Rec Center can be used as a good opportunity to get practical experience for students,” Anderton said.
There are new ideas and incentives coming as the workout classes continue to grow. Anderton spends several hours working to make sure the schedules of group classes accommodate each student.
The goal is to eventually make the Samford Athletic Complex a model for other colleges and fitness facilities and that will be done with the help of the student workers.
The Seibert Recreation, Wellness and Athletic Complex is open throughout the week and offers workout classes of Pilates, Zumba, bulldog jam, HIIT, cycling and many others.
Staff Writer
