Leading from the Front Row An interview with Bella, Group Fitness Instructor

As May arrives, campus begins to shift. Students are preparing for finals, celebrating graduation, heading home for summer, or starting an internship. During seasons of change, one thing remains constant at University of Kentucky Campus Recreation, the people who make this community feel welcoming, energizing, and inspiring.

This months member of the month, we are highlighting Bella, a sophomore at University of Kentucky studying exercise science who serves as a personal trainer, cycle instructor, and Campus Recreation Ambassador. Bella brings enthusiasm into every space she enters, but what stands out most is her heart for helping others feel confident, connected, and excited about movement.

I sat down with Bella to talk about her Campus Recreation journey, what keeps her motivated, and the advice she would give to students who may be hesitant to get involved.

Tell us a little about yourself. What are you studying, and what do you do with Campus Recreation?

“I’m a sophomore at the University of Kentucky studying exercise science, and I’m on the athletic training path because I’d love to work at the college level one day. With Campus Recreation, I’m a personal trainer, I teach cycle, and I’m also a Campus Recreation Ambassador.”

How did you first get involved with Campus Recreation?

“My mom and I came during K Week and stopped by the Campus Recreation table. I’ve always loved fitness, so it immediately caught my attention. I originally wanted to do personal training, but as a freshman, I thought group fitness might be a better place to start, so I tried cycle.”

“The funny part is I had never actually taken a cycle class before my interview. I had only ridden a Peloton at home. But they told me, ‘We go off personality. We can teach you everything else.’ That stuck with me.”

What keeps you coming back?

“Teaching cycle is my favorite part of my week. I honestly wish I taught every day. I love seeing my regulars. I know their names, I ask about their day, and over time, you build real relationships. It’s not just teaching a class. It’s building a community.”

What would you say to a student who feels intimidated walking into Campus Recreation for the first time?

“Everybody starts somewhere.” No one is judging you, and everyone here wants to support you. If you walk in and don’t know what you’re doing, someone will help you. That’s what makes Campus Rec special. There are so many people here with huge hearts who genuinely care.”

How does staying active help you balance academics, life, and stress?

“Fitness has always been my escape. When I work out, I can stop thinking about my to do list. I’m just focused on the workout in front of me. It helps me mentally as much as physically.”

“During stressful times, especially around exams, even if I can’t do a full workout, I know I need movement. Sometimes that’s a walk, sometimes it’s the gym, and sometimes it’s teaching cycle. Movement helps me reset.”

What is your why?

“My regulars are my why.”

“Seeing people grow more confident, watching them make friends, and helping them realize exercise can actually be fun, that’s what keeps me going. I want to be the reason people keep showing up. I want to help people feel good about themselves. If I can make fitness feel less intimidating and more rewarding, then I’m doing what I’m supposed to do.”

Any final words of encouragement for students?

“Give it a try. Everybody starts somewhere. No one is going to judge you. You might walk in nervous, but you may walk out finding your community, your confidence, or even your why.”

Bella reminds us that Campus Recreation is about much more than exercise. It is about community, building confidence, and finding joy in movement.