The Student Recreation and Wellness Center has added its newest fitness center ambassador.
Aaron Krauss, junior nutrition and exercise science major from Elkton, Maryland, said as a trainer, his job is to focus on and understand specific movements.
“Safety and longevity are key here,” Krauss said. “Exercise form, technique and proper positioning are something every person in the gym should be focused on, whether you’re one-rep maxing or using machines.”
Krauss said he used his passion for helping others and his understanding of exercise science to suggest a new position to his boss, Kyle Pinson, director of facility operations at the SRWC. After meeting with him, he was filled into a position that already existed – fitness center ambassador.
Since Krauss was hired as fitness ambassador, the SRWC has taken on new marketing techniques to make sure members of the SRWC are aware the position is available to them.
“Aaron suggested posting his hours near the fitness center, so everyone would know when he was available,” Pinson said. “That decision seems to have been helpful in getting the word out.”
As fitness ambassador, Krauss will work with students, faculty and staff to achieve their fitness goals.
“The position is meant to help with anything someone might need help with exercise-related,” Krauss said. “It offers a lot of support and assistance at no extra cost to the student.”
Pinson said the position was originally created to provide a knowledgeable presence to answer questions, provide tips and help with weight-lifting activities.
“This position is providing a meaningful service to all of our members,” Pinson said. “He is capable and willing to help anyone from beginners to competitive lifters with technique, tips, new exercises and how machines work.
“My hope is that this position will encourage students, faculty and staff who are intimidated by the weight room or facility to try it out while he’s working.”
Krauss said he holds many additional positions in the SRWC including personal trainer, facilities intern and member service representative.
As a trainer, Krauss said he can make a structured workout for the day, educate on technique, form check, provide spotting assistance, train on equipment use, program workouts, offer nutrition advice and mobility support and more.
“Taking advantage of the fitness ambassador is a great way to get the most out of your experience with SRWC and to feel confident about your visit here,” Krauss said.
Krauss said he hopes to see SRWC members making healthy improvements using their resources.
“I’m willing to move Heaven and Earth for people to live long and healthy lives in Jesus’s name,” Krauss said. “It’s only a matter of the application of the information I give them.”
Krauss said with the information he has readily available, members should be able to learn from their experience.
“I’m very hopeful that they can learn a lot if they’re willing to listen, learn and apply. Some of the areas I’m hopeful to include are correct form, confidence, body awareness, discipline and the desire to be the best version of themselves.”
Pinson said the SRWC is looking to hire more certified trainers to serve as ambassadors every weekday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. He said he hopes students will take advantage of the free guidance and knowledge offered, as well as the many upcoming events in the SRWC.
