TexFit exposes Rec reps to new programs

A group of 19 student representatives from the Campus Rec’s Fitness and Wellness program traveled to Austin last Saturday to attend the 2013 TexFit conference. Participants were exposed to unique workout programs and techniques from schools all around the state.

TexFit is a one-day fitness conference for group exercise instructors and personal trainers from Texas universities and colleges.  The event began in 1998 and is held in a different location around the state each year. The goal is to share and take home ideas that can improve the fitness program experience. 

The University of Texas at Austin hosted this year’s conference. More than 350 instructors from 20 schools across the state showcased their methods.

Kate Bridges, the Rec’s fitness and wellness coordinator, said the conference was a wonderful experience.

“There was lots of camaraderie,” Bridges said. “Everyone was energized and excited about seeing new ideas.”

SFA participants chose six workout sessions from other schools to try out and learn from. The programs ranged from martial arts to yoga. 

Kayla Borens, SFA’s Zumba instructor, was a first-time participant this year.

“Everybody learned something,” Borens said. “And the workouts were intense. I’m still really sore.”

Some participants also gained experience in presenting. Yoga instructor Sarah Swor exhibited the Rec’s unique “partner yoga” program to conference attendees.

There is a demo tape of SFA’s presentation available on the Campus Rec Facebook page. 

The SFA student representatives included: Steve Dooling, Fitness and Wellness graduate assistant; Chrystina Wyatt, Fitness and Wellness graduate assistant; Mackenzie Stair, cycling instructor; Jennifer Basham, cycling instructor; Elizabeth Alvarado, yoga instructor; Hannah Dunahoe, Pilates and abs instructor; Ryan Rasbeary, operations manager and fitness assistant; Torree Rheingans, operations manager and fitness assistant; Sarah Swor, yoga instructor; Lauren McCraw, group fitness manager and dance and abs instructor; Andrea McCorkle, personal trainer and boot camp instructor; Richard Drew, fitness manager, personal trainer and boot camp instructor; Kayla Borens, Zumba instructor; Karl Koether, operations manager and fitness assistant; Taylor Robinson, hip hop instructor; Mitchell Robuck, personal trainer and boot camp instructor; Kelly Springer, kickboxing instructor; Stuti Gakhar, kickboxing instructor; Ana Romero, Trim N’ Tone instructor.

Borens said the group walked 6th Street in downtown Austin, but things didn’t get too crazy.

pinelog@thepinelog.com