Working at UREC takes dedication, but always rewarding, enjoyable

Day in the life

Evan Shoap / senior photographer Sophomore Anya Hostedler, a group fitness instructor, teaches an average of four group fitness classes a week. "I really take pride in what I do," Hostedler said.

Those of us who enjoy UREC group fitness classes sometimes view our instructors with envy. How do they remain so endlessly peppy and energetic every day? How do they sweat it out cheerfully at 7 a.m.?

Sophomore Anya Hostetler is one of those enviable few who wear the microphone and shout commands over the loudspeaker.

"I really take pride in what I do," Hostetler said. Hostetler teaches an average of four group fitness classes a week, and also is involved in the UREC-affiliated PROmotion, which works to promote health and fitness to children in the area. Hostetler got involved with UREC freshman year after a positive experience with classes she took there. Now, as an employee, she considers it a second home.

"I was really overwhelmed at first," Hostetler said. "But they assign you a UREC ‘family’ to support you and guide you through it. I’m part of a really loving group of people."

Although Hostetler’s days often are busy, one in particular sticks out in her mind — last Wednesday. She woke up at 6:30 A.M. to pick up bagels for PROmotion’s Valentine’s 5K race. She then attended classes on campus from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., and after lunch, headed to UREC to work the blood drive there until 2 p.m. At 2:45 p.m. Hostetler prepared herself to teach "Body Sculpt" and taught the class from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. At 5:15 p.m. she began preparations for a second class — "Aqua Fit," a class she instructs in the pool from 5:30 p.m. to 6:20 p.m.

Hostetler then dashed home for dinner and returned to UREC at 8 p.m. for a meeting concerning a UREC-sponsored Alternative Spring Break in the Bahamas. After the meeting, she finally returned home for good and spent some time hanging out with her roommates and watching "Newlyweds" before bed. Hostetler explained that she never gets bored because classes vary every week.

"I love that I am helping other people attain a healthier lifestyle, and in the process, I’m doing the same thing for myself," Hostetler said.

Obviously, being a group fitness instructor takes up a substantial amount of time. However, group fitness instructor senior Natalie Ferber feels the commitment is worthwhile.

"This job takes a lot of dedication," Ferber said. "Teaching group fitness seemed intimidating, but I had so much support from the staff not only as an employee but also as a friend. It’s such a rewarding job."

Hostetler underwent thorough training in order to become an instructor. First, she performed an in-studio routine, and was called back for a formal interview. She got the job, and began several weeks of training. First, she simply observed group fitness classes, familiarizing herself with the exercise routines. Then, Hostetler started teaching small portions of classes, supervised by an older mentor.

When she felt confident, she began team teaching. Although Hostetler now teaches classes solo, "I still team teach a few classes just to make sure I have it perfect," Hostetler said.