This is Elle. Participant to Instructor An interview with Elle, Group Fitness Instructor

For Elle, fitness has always been part of her life, but finding group fitness at University of Kentucky Campus Recreation helped her create a new routine and community when she arrived at University of Kentucky.

Elle is from a suburb outside of Chicago. “I grew up playing hockey, and we always had a trainer telling us what to do,” Elle says. “When I got to the University of Kentucky, that structure wasn’t there anymore. I knew how to work out, but I didn’t really know where to start on my own.” Elle suddenly had to figure out how to navigate fitness on her own. 

When she arrived at UK orientation she went with her mom up to the Campus Rec table and started asking questions. Once on campus, she started attending group fitness classes and quickly found herself returning regularly. “I still have the first schedule because I would circle the ones I would go to.” 

Cycle classes quickly became her routine. After attending regularly, an instructor encouraged her to consider becoming an instructor herself. “She kind of was like did you ever think about doing it yourself and I was like no.”

During the second semester of her first year, Elle decided to try out for the Fit Academy program. “It was my first like real interview, so I remember being very nervous because it was something I wanted, so it was good nerves, but I was fortunate enough that they hired me."

Elle started as a Cycle Instructor and now is the Cycle Lead Instructor she also teaches BodyPump and BodyPump Heavy, while continuing to expand her skills with additional training formats. Her schedule is impressive, not only in the studio but also academically. Elle is a triple major in Finance, Marketing, and Management, earning a Sales certificate while also pursuing a pre-law track and preparing to take the LSAT this summer. Despite her packed schedule, Elle says fitness is what keeps her grounded.

“It definitely holds me accountable. I have such a busy schedule so sometimes I feel like if I wasn't part of group fitness or anything like this I would probably push off working out but being on the schedule it makes me go to the gym but it also makes me take a break from everything else.”

Seeing others progress in their fitness journey is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching. “When I see someone lifting heavier like I see it I'm proud of you. Watching other people grow and achieving their fitness goals it just makes me want to achieve mine so much more.”

Group fitness classes are also about building connections. “I love being around all of my participants. I love seeing my regulars. I love my coworkers.” (Special shoutout to Carly!)

She also recognizes that trying a group fitness class for the first time can feel intimidating. “If you don't know where to start come find me I'll help you out.”

She often finds ways to help participants connect with one another. “I just ask basic questions and sometimes I find something similar and I have them connect because you just never know. I connected a couple girls that were all in the same sorority but they didn’t even know.” She says she has seen people return to class together after meeting there for the first time. “I've seen friendships spread out of this.”

Her advice to new students is simple. “Try everything. College is a place of new beginnings so go try everything that you have an interest in because the people there also have the same interests as you.”

With her energy, leadership, and dedication to helping others succeed, Elle represents exactly what makes Campus Recreation special: a place where fitness builds not just strength and friendships it keeps your grounded and on track.

Next time you see Elle leading a class, don’t be surprised if she’s the first one cheering you on.