Building Strength, Confidence & Community A Wellness Q&A with Anna
Hi, I’m Anna Johnson! I’m a group fitness instructor, personal trainer and program assistant with UK Campus Recreation. My “why” is simple but powerful: any movement is good movement. I always encourage my participants to listen to their bodies and move in ways that feel right for them. Every day looks different; some days you might feel strong and ready to push yourself, and other days your body might need something slower and gentler. What matters most is that you show up, move with intention, and honor where your body is at in that moment. Movement should make you feel good, not drained, and learning that balance has been one of the most empowering parts of my own fitness journey.
Q: How has participating in campus recreation activities supported your physical health goals?
Participating in campus recreation has played a major role in supporting not only my own physical health goals, but also those of the people around me. As both a group fitness instructor and a personal trainer, I’ve had the opportunity to create a community centered around movement, wellness, and self-improvement. It’s incredibly rewarding to help others reach their goals while continuing to challenge myself physically. Many of my participants are UK students or staff, and it’s inspiring to see people from all different backgrounds and fitness levels come together, from those just starting out to former athletes rediscovering their love for movement. Watching their progress and confidence grow reminds me why I fell in love with fitness in the first place. I’ve always been active; I grew up as a swimmer until around 7th or 8th grade, when the sport became too competitive and I started to feel burnt out. To stay active, I began working with a personal trainer and attending group fitness classes. That experience sparked my passion for fitness and taught me how powerful it can be to move your body, whether in the gym or outdoors. Now, as an instructor and trainer, I get to be that person for others, the one who helps them find joy and confidence in movement. It’s a unique and meaningful gift that I’m grateful to have experienced as a college student, and it continues to shape my approach to both personal health and community building.
Q: How do you balance staying physically active with your academic and social commitments?
Because I teach group fitness classes and train clients as part of my job, staying active is naturally built into my routine, which helps me maintain balance across all areas of my life. The community I’ve built through campus recreation makes exercise feel less like a task and more like a fun, social outlet. I get to connect with others while taking care of my body. I’ve also noticed a direct connection between movement and productivity. On the days I make time to move, even if it’s just a 20-minute walk or a quick Body Pump class, I feel more focused, less stressed, and better able to manage my academic workload. When my schedule gets hectic, I remind myself that taking that time for movement isn’t taking time away from my studies, it’s investing in my well-being so I can show up as my best self in every area.
Q: Are there specific programs, spaces, or practices on campus that you turn to when you need a mental health reset?
Teaching group fitness classes and training clients have become some of my biggest outlets for a mental health reset. On days when my academic workload feels overwhelming, stepping into the studio or gym allows me to take a break from the chaos and focus on being fully present. For that hour, I leave my stress at the door and give my energy to helping others move and feel good. It’s both grounding and rewarding, and I always come out of those sessions feeling refreshed and ready to tackle my studies again. On the days I’m not teaching or training, I still make time to move, whether that’s taking a group fitness class, lifting, or going for a walk outside. Those small moments of movement and mindfulness help me reset mentally, stay connected to myself, and manage the demands of college life with a clearer mindset.
Q: What role does campus recreation play in helping you build connections and find community?
Through my leadership roles in fitness, I’ve been able to build meaningful connections with so many amazing people over the past three years. Whether it’s in my group fitness classes, personal training sessions, or my work as a program assistant, I’ve developed strong relationships with participants, clients, and staff alike. UK Campus Recreation provides such a unique and welcoming community, one filled with people who are eager to grow, support one another, and celebrate each other’s successes. I’ve always felt surrounded by individuals who are genuinely excited to see others achieve their goals. Even small moments, like when someone in a Body Pump class adds an extra 2.5 pounds to their bar, turn into shared celebrations. Those positive interactions remind me why I love being part of this community and how powerful it is to connect through movement and shared motivation.
Q: What advice would you give other students about using campus recreation to support their health and wellness?
The biggest piece of advice I would give other students is to remember that everyone has to start somewhere, and campus recreation is truly a judgment-free zone. Simply walking through the door is an accomplishment worth celebrating. Whether you’re coming in for a fitness assessment, attending an equipment orientation to get comfortable with the space, or just taking a few laps around the Johnson Center track, every step counts toward improving your health and well-being. Campus Recreation offers so many opportunities to learn, grow, and connect. Using these resources not only helps you stay active but also allows you to meet new people and become part of a supportive community. It’s a space where you can challenge yourself, find balance, and discover what wellness means to you, both physically and mentally.
