MacEwan University’s Fit Buddy program is fueling gains and building campus connections
Attending the gym for the first time can be intimidating and doing it alone can make the experience that more daunting. At MacEwan University, students with experience in the gym are encouraged to sign up to volunteer to accompany another student within the fitness facilities through a volunteer initiative called the Fit Buddy program.
Daniel Sorochan, a Bachelor of Arts student, signed up to receive a Fit Buddy in 2023. He said in an interview with MacEwan University that his “buddy” was knowledgeable in the gym, and the pair grew a deeper connection.
“I learned a lot from him, we pushed each other and we became friends,” he said.
The new gym partners continued to workout together throughout the year.
Sorochan, who said he once had no experience in the gym, is now a regular and ready to share his knowledge with others by being a Fit Buddy volunteer. “I’ve learned a lot from my own experience and I’d like to be able to share that with other folks.”
Volunteers are assigned a “buddy” to spend up to three organized sessions with. The program runs from September through April, and volunteers can use it as part of their student experience record.
Sorochan said that the benefits he has received from the gym have extended to other parts of his life, including knowing his body better and positively impacting his ball hockey performance. “Knowing some of your strengths and limitations is a super important thing,” he said.
“For me, I like playing ball hockey. I try to do some cardio every now and then, and legs to be able to stay on my feet longer.”
As a regular who has reaped the benefits of fitness and wellness, Sorochan says he does not always have the right motivation. “Sometimes you just don’t want to go – but you’re helping yourself with your health, your developing character and developing commitment.”
