FSU Campus Rec

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Campus Rec Rewind: Graduation

A letter to the Graduating Class of 2021

[By: Manuela Espinosa]

To the Class of 2021:

First off, congratulations! You are officially an alum of the Florida State University! Can you believe how fast time has flown by? It seems like just yesterday you were starting college as a bright-eyed freshman, moving into the residence halls and attending your first college class. Although you may not feel ready to leave the comforting red bricks and greenery of campus behind, you are beyond prepared to take on the new adventures life has in store for you. While you may be excited and anxious about the future, use this time to reminisce on what you are leaving behind.

Think of your last football game at Doak Campbell Stadium as a student. The next time you join us in the stands, it will be as an alumnus. You won’t be in the student section cheering on the team.

Cherish your last walk around campus. Remember the days you dreaded walking up Diffenbaugh trying to make it on time to ENC 2135, the days you laid out in the sun on Landis Green, and the times you jumped into any of the fountains to cool yourself off from the unbearable heat.

Hold close the friends you have met. Reach out to your freshman roommate, the first friends you made on campus, and your study buddies. Keep in touch. Although you may have only known these people for a short time, together you shared valuable experiences growing up and becoming the individual you are now.

You have grown immensely, both as students and adults throughout your time at Florida State. Whether you’re pursuing a graduate degree or starting a new job this Fall, remember that FSU is your home and you’re welcome back any time.

As you move on to your next adventures, the team here at Campus Rec has a few special messages for you…

"While this past year has been one of unforeseen circumstances, we did the thing anyway. Every stage of life is so special in its own way, and while we may miss this one very much, there is a lot to be excited about in the future. Best of luck in all of your endeavors and, as always, go 'Noles!" - Maria V. Rodriguez, Class of Spring 2021

“As the great Dr. Seuss once said: ‘Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.’ Congratulations Class of 2021! You did it!” - Manuela Espinosa, Class of Fall 2021

Throughout this historical campaign, we have looked at the many legacies and traditions at Florida State. You are officially a part of that legacy! Hold this honor close to your heart and always remember: “Go ‘Noles”!

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Campus Rec Rewind: Gymnastics

[By: Manuela Espinosa]

The Florida State University (FSU) men's gymnastics program only existed at the university for a short time, but it was extremely successful. In fact, for several years, FSU was even known as the "Gymnastics Capitol of the Nation." FSU accomplishments included five national championship teams, numerous individual national championships, and seven Olympians, twenty-six All-Americans, and several who represented the United States at the Pan American games.

Hartley Price was born in Australia in 1902 and came to the U.S. when he was 21 to continue his education. Early in his career he became a faculty member at the University of Illinois where he eventually took on the role of head gymnastics coach in 1930. His teams at Illinois won four national collegiate, two national AAU, and five Big Ten Conference championships. However, Price's career at Illinois was interrupted by World War II. He joined the United States Navy and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. When the war ended he went back to the University of Illinois and soon accepted the job of Head Gymnastics Coach at Florida State.

There was not much to work with when Price got to Tallahassee during the 1948-1949 school year. Essentially, he was building the gymnastics program from nothing. Several seasoned gymnasts who had earlier planned to go to the University of Illinois followed Price to FSU. The most well-known gymnast was William H. "Bill" Roetzheim. FSU began intercollegiate competition in men's gymnastics in 1950. In addition to competing against other colleges, that team, as well as the others that followed, competed in Amateur Athletic Union events. At the time, AAU competition was tougher than that of the NCAA as it included a larger group of amateur teams and athletes.

A year later, in 1951, FSU 's gymnastics team won the first ever NCAA Championship by a team from the state of Florida in any sport at a meet in Ann Arbor, Michigan. They also won the AAU national championship held in Detroit, Michigan that same year. In the following summer, Roetzheim represented the United States at the first Pan American Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he not only won first place in the horizontal bars competition, but also won the overall gymnastics individual championship. In 1952, the FSU team became NCAA national champions once again. That summer, FSU gymnasts Bill Roetzheim and Don Holder competed as members of the U.S. team at the Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland.

FSU remained competitive at the national NCAA meets through 1959. The Seminoles won two more national AAU championships in 1953 and 1955. FSU even had success internationally. In Tallahassee, circa 1954, FSU took on the world champion Swedish National team and defeated them. They beat them again the following year when the touring Swedish team came back to Tallahassee. In 1956, the FSU team traveled to Havana, and beat Cuba's National team.

Athletic director Howard Danford left FSU in 1957. Danford had been a big supporter of an all-round program that placed emphasis upon a large number of sports. The athletics directors following him—faced with limited resources—cut down on the number of athletics teams to be financed at the intercollegiate level. For example, men's volleyball, as a varsity sport, was terminated after the 1957 season. Gymnastics hung on longer because of Dr. Price's and the team's popularity but ultimately, by 1961, the school had withdrawn intercollegiate financial support for the sport. 

For a number of years, Coach Price continued to lead the gymnastics team as a club sport. It was even expanded to include women's participation. Price retired from FSU in 1971 and died in 1977. With Price's passing, FSU's major pioneer role in the US's collegiate men's gymnastics world ended. It may have been a short one but it was a great run!

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Campus Rec Rewind: The Tarpon Club

[By: Manuela Espinosa]

One of the most famous organizations that has ever existed at Florida State University is the Tarpon Club. The Tarpon Club was a synchronized swimming group that trained and performed at FSU for fifty-eight years, from 1937 to 1994. In fact, synchronized swimming at FSU was popular even before it became an Olympic Sport in 1984.

Prior to the Tarpon Club, the group was a lifesaving corps. In order to be a member, one had to be an excellent swimmer and be competent in lifesaving techniques. This group was housed in the old gymnasium and pools in Montgomery Hall. The lifesaving corps would also give demonstrations on proper life-saving methods and boat handling skills to different student audiences. Eventually, they started to add more of a “performance” aspect to their demonstrations. And so, the group slowly transformed into the Tarpon Club when, in 1937, the synchronized swimming portions of the demonstrations had become so popular that the decision to form a “water ballet” club was made under the guidance of Katherine Rawls.

The first Tarpon Club show was held in the old pool in the Fall of 1937. In that same year, Katherine Rawls and several members of the team were invited to perform in the Show of Champions at the National Aquatic Forum in Fort Lauderdale, Florida during the winter holidays. This opportunity launched the club into a lot of attention and popularity. In 1938, a Hollywood company produced a film of the club performing so that Americans all over the country could enjoy the Tarpons on screen. Again in 1942, 1944, 1947, and 1952, the Tarpons made consistent appearances in newsreels and experienced a lot of media attention. 

In the mid-fifties, The Tarpon Club began to compete in the International Academy of Aquatic Art. They began using unusual lighting effects to enhance choreography and increase the beauty of the performances. In 1964, a routine was developed entitled "Minstrels." It was later polished and, in 1967, won the highest award at the Triple A Nationals: Class One Honors. It was the first time that the Tarpon Club won the top award, but not the last. Two more were won in 1969, one in 1970, two in 1971, and one in 1972. Although in some earlier shows males had made special guest appearances, in 1972 membership in the Tarpon Club became coeducational for the first time when Matt Padgett became the first male member. There would be more to come!

The Tarpon continued winning awards throughout the years. Coach Alicia Crew led the club to new heights. In 1989, the club was represented by a team of its members in the U.S. Synchronized Swimming national collegiate championships. Although the event was more of a competitive sports event rather than the aquatic art form that The Tarpon Club was used to, FSU came in fourth in overall points. 

The last Tarpon Club show was held in 1994. Shortly afterward, because there was no available competent volunteer coach and no funds to hire one, the club terminated its activities.

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Campus Rec Rewind: Extracurriculars at the Florida State College for Women

[By: Manuela Espinosa]

Extracurricular activities and clubs have always been a strong tradition at Florida State University. Many of these traditions go as far back as 1905, when the university was still the Florida State College for Women (FSCW).

Two of the earliest clubs were the Thalian Literary Society and the Minerva Club. These organizations focused on “enabling girls to speak more fluently in public.” They encouraged women to express themselves, use their voice, and engage in discourse. Together, the two clubs published the first college literary periodical in the state of Florida titled The Talisman. In these periodicals, members expressed their thoughts through different forms of writing and also allowed them to spread campus news. Eventually, in 1915, the paper turned into the Florida Flambeau newspaper.

Women at FSCW were also involved with recreational sports. By 1906, the campus had tennis and basketball courts, field-hockey and croquet fields, a swimming pool, and a full gymnasium. The first gymnasium was in Montgomery Hall and the swimming pool was located where the HCB building now stands. These extracurricular activities were valuable aspects of the FSCW education. They helped women experience and receive a well-rounded education.

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Campus Rec Rewind: The Flying High Circus

[By: Manuela Espinosa]

The Flying High Circus has been a tradition at Florida State University since 1947. The extra-curricular program was developed by Jack Haskin in an effort to help students integrate into the newly co-ed institution. The Flying High Circus is one of only two collegiate circuses found in the United States!

Since its founding, the circus has been featured on a number of different shows such as the CBS Sports Spectacular, ABC’s Wide World of Sports, and several ESPN programs. In 1964, CBS even took the circus on a European Tour! The FSU circus has performed in Canada, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, and the West Indies. It was selected as one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events in 1989, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000. Recently, they were the topic of a CSTV documentary titled Flying High: the Florida State University Circus.

Did you know that the circus is also entirely made up of students! They are both the performers and the stagehands. If you’re interested in getting involved with the circus, FSU offers a one credit hour “Introduction to Circus” (PEM 1952) course which teaches basic skills such as juggling, hand balancing, and aerial ballet (this would make a great elective senior year). Another way you can get involved is by attending one of their open auditions! There are a variety of different acts meaning there is a place for everyone! Check out their website here!

Even if participating in the circus isn’t for you, make sure to attend one of their performances during your time at Florida State. The best part: it’s free to students with your FSU ID!

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Campus Rec Rewind: Dr. Katherine Montgomery

[By: Manuela Espinosa]

Dr. Katherine Montgomery graduated in 1918 from the Florida State College for Women (FSCW). Miss Katie, as she was affectionately known by those around her, became the most important force in women’s athletics at Florida State for 40 years. 

After graduating with a degree in English, she became an instructor at FSCW and would soon be asked to acquire training to become the head of a new Physical Education program. As a student at FSCW, she had participated in athletic competition wholeheartedly, and spoke in favor of intercollegiate athletics on behalf of her fellow students. She encouraged students to try out for the Women's Olympic team and assisted one in training for the event.

In 1918, as an FSCW senior, she was president of the Athletic Association and named the college’s outstanding all-around athlete. She began a teaching career after graduation that ended in 1958. In 1920 she became an instructor of Physical Education at the College. She then left to further her education at the New Haven Normal School of Gymnastics. In 1923, Montgomery graduated with a certification in physiotherapy and physical education and returned to Tallahassee to assume the duties of the head of the Department of Physical Education. She developed an outstanding intramural athletic program and was nationally known for her efforts to develop the sport of volleyball.

That same year, Lou Henry Hoover, wife of President Herbert Hoover, organized a meeting of leaders in women's education, athletics, recreation, and fitness. At the meeting, it was concluded that women should be restricted from participating in certain competitive athletic events. This decision affected women's sports throughout the United States. The impact of this meeting can be observed in the modifications of Dr. Montgomery’s philosophy toward athletics and profound effect on women's athletics at FSCW and throughout the state of Florida and the South.

For more than 30 years, Miss Katie led the physical education program and was the driving force behind the Montgomery Hall’s construction. History tells us that Miss Katie was so enamored with the new building that she slept on the gym floor the night before the official opening. Montgomery Gym, affectionately called "Miss Katie's Gym" and home of the Tarpon Club and intramural games, was named in her honor.

Dr. Montgomery died on October 1, 1958 – the day she was to retire officially from her duties at the Florida State University. She was elected into the FSU Hall of Fame in 1977.

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Campus Rec Rewind: Montgomery Gym

[By: Manuela Espinosa]

Montgomery Hall was built in 1929 and was often referred to as “Miss Katie’s Gym” by students who participated in campus sports directed by Dr. Katherine Montgomery. 

Dr. Montgomery was an advocate for physical education programs at Florida State University for over 30 years and was the driving force behind the gym’s construction. This building is one of the most historic buildings on campus and was the center of student recreation for a very long time.  

Located in the heart of campus by Landis Green, the gymnasium housed various student dances, intramural games, and even a bowling alley. It also had a heated indoor pool which was home to the Tarpon Club, a famous synchronized swimming group at Florida State. The university’s men’s swimming and diving teams also trained at this pool alongside dozens of Tallahassee children learning how to swim. Other activities students were involved with included folk dancing, golf, and tennis.  

In 2004, Montgomery Gym was transformed into a state of the art dance facility with six studio spaces, a conditioning studio, a costume shop, centers for music and technology, a black box theatre, and the Nancy Smith Fichter Dance Theatre which can seat 380 people! Today it is home to the FSU Dance School. Students now dance in the theatre which had once been the indoor pool and take classes on floors which used to be a basketball court!

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Campus Rec Rewind: Aquatics

[By: Manuela E.]

Believe it or not, Florida State University has had multiple pools in many different places on campus. In the 1930s, there was a pool located inside the Physical Education department building, now known as Montgomery Hall. Later on, the pool moved outside. It was located right next to McCullom Hall. It had a diving board and lounge chairs so students could relax around the pool for some fun.

One of the activities that the old pool is best remembered for is the organization known as "The Tarpon Club" that trained and performed there. The Tarpon Club existed at Florida State for 58 years, from 1937 through 1994. Long before synchronized swimming became an Olympic sport, it was an important activity here at Florida State. The Tarpon Club attracted so much attention that in 1938 a Hollywood company came down to produce a film of the Fall 1938 show. Unfortunately, the lighting of the gym was insufficient and the plan was scrubbed. A later plan did work, however. Someone suggested filming at Wakulla Springs so that natural lighting could be used. Soon, much of America was able to enjoy the Tarpons!

Before there was a Tarpon Club, the school had a lifesaving corps. To be a member of that corps, the student had to be an excellent swimmer and competent in lifesaving techniques. The members served as lifeguards at Camp Flastacowo as well as at other student swimming excursions.

In addition to housing the Tarpon Club, the old pool had other uses after co-education came to Florida State in 1947. Courses in swimming continued to be given at the pool to both men and women. Fun fact: Burt Reynolds took a course in swimming here in the early fifties. He is reported to have said that Bim Stults, who taught the course, was much tougher than his football coaches. The pool was the location for both men's and women's intramural swimming competition. Through the years, the children of many townspeople took lessons and learned to swim in that pool. Students at FSU's Demonstration School used the pool in the summers.

Nowadays, students have access to the amazing Leach Pool and Spa inside of the Leach Student Recreation Center. With 16 lanes, diving boards, and water basketball, this is one of the most fun ways to get your workout in.

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Campus Rec Rewind: Intramural Sports

[By: Manuela Espinosa]

Intramural Sports have been a long-standing tradition here at Florida State University. Since the 1920s, FSU students have participated in a wide variety of different sports including tennis, basketball, and softball.  

Since then, FSU’s Intramural Sports has grown to have over 80 team sports leagues offered throughout the year with multiple ways to get involved.  For those looking for a quick game with no long-term commitment, check out drop-in sports. You just show up, form a team with the people you meet, and play! If you want the fun to last a little longer than just an hour or two, maybe a weekend tournament is for you! Stay on the lookout on our social media for special events hosted by FSU Campus Recreation and Intramural Sports.  

The last and most traditional route to get involved with IMs is to sign up for a league. You can form teams with your friends or join a team as a free agent to play your sport of choice for an entire season and a post-season tournament to battle other teams. The winner receives the coveted IM champion t-shirt and bragging rights! An IM sports league will definitely bring out your competitive side.  

This year’s Intramurals may look a little different than the past, but they are still just as fun. This season we’re offering both individual and small team sports. For individuals in October, we are offering softball derby and punt, pass, kick. For small team sports, about 2 or 3 players per team, we are offering soccer, sand volleyball, double-disc, cornhole, and spikeball. You can read more about it and register at imleagues.com/fsu starting on September 30, 2020. Hope to see you there!

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Campus Rec Rewind: The Rez

[By: Manuela Espinosa]

The Rez Lakefront Park & Retreat Center, better known to all students as The Rez, was founded in 1920, just after World War I and before the Great Depression. Florida State College for Women’s dean, Mrs. S. L. Cawthorn wanted women to have experience in badminton, a graceful backstroke, and how to use a canoe– she believed a well-rounded graduate should have recreational experience. And so, when seven acres along Lake Bradford became available, Mrs. Cawthorn created the space just for that.

Since then, those seven acres have grown to 73, with 10 active acres on Lake Bradford. It continues to offer many of the same recreational activities but has added even more including a climbing wall and challenge ropes course. These activities are now open to the public as well for a small fee!

Previously known as Camp Flastacowo (Fun fact: Flastacowo is actually an acronym of Florida State College for Women), the Rez is a space where students can trade their busy campus lives for some relaxing fun in the sun. Only a quarter-mile from campus, patrons can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, picnicking, swimming, sand volleyball, disc golf, and many other activities. Most of these activities are free for students!  

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Meet Dr. Bobby E. Leach

[By: Manuela Espinosa]

Meet Dr. Bobby E. Leach, the first African-American administrator at Florida State University and the namesake of our beloved Leach Student Recreation Center.

He received an undergraduate degree in math and sciences from Benedict College, a master’s degree in math from Morgan State University, and a Ph.d. in higher education administration from the Union of Experimenting Colleges and Universities. Between his undergraduate and graduate careers, Dr. Leach served in the U.S. Army and gained special recognition for being an outstanding track and field athlete. Later, he was appointed as the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Human Relations, where he implemented his abilities to bring communities together, specifically in relation to minorities. He became Vice-Principal at Carver Highs School during the decade leading up to his arrival at Florida State University in 1977. He worked as Florida State’s Vice President of Student Affairs from 1977-1988 and left a major impact on our campus community.  

During his time here, he was the highest-ranked administrator, advocated for the expansion and renovation of the Oglesby Union, and expanded the university’s intramural sports programs. He strongly endorsed the mission of encouraging students to cultivate their own understanding of ethics and values, and what it means to them as individuals. In some of his most well-known speeches, he promoted the important values found through a college experience. Because of his efforts, the Leach Student Recreation Center was built.  

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Leach Journeys (Remote Edition): Evan Bentz

[By: Claudia Guerra]

How are you staying motivated and active?

I have been staying active by working out in my apartment and visiting as many nature trails as I can! Being able to keep moving and stay active is one of the most important things to me, so finding new ways to do that keeps me motivated!

How has the Leach impacted you? What do you miss the most about the Leach?

The Leach has provided me with a home of like-minded people enjoying what they love, and that environment has been beyond beneficial.  The thing I miss most about the Leach are the people who show up excited and happy to be there!

What adjustments have you made to your workout routine now that you aren’t exercising in a traditional setting like the Leach?

The biggest adjustment that I had to make to my workout routine has been focusing more on hypertrophy [growing/increasing the size of muscle cells] and reaching failure [pushing through on the last rep in a set due to intensity] with lighter weights.

Are there any tips and tricks you have for Leach patrons who are now working out from home?

The biggest adjustment that I had to make to my workout routine has been focusing more on hypertrophy [growing/increasing the size of muscle cells] and reaching failure [pushing through on the last rep in a set because of intensity] with lighter weights.

What are some things you would have liked to know before you started your fitness journey? What pushedyou to become a patron of the Leach?

Before starting my fitness journey, I wish I would have known how casual, fun, and how life changing an hour a day of physical activity is — it can truly impact your life!  

What’s your current favorite workout move?

Walking lunges up and down my apartment’s parking garage!

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Leach Journeys (Remote Edition): Cecilia Bouaichi

[By: Claudia Guerra]

How are you staying motivated and active?

When dealing with stress, running is my favorite outlet and I have definitely been getting in a lot of miles since this whole situation started. I’ve also turned to YouTube workouts for other forms of exercise; I really like Sydney Cummings videos! My two roommates and I have been rotating creating workouts for every day of the week, and we all exercise around 5:30 pm together. It has been helping us keep some structure in our lives.

How has the Leach impacted you? What do you miss the most about the Leach?

Honestly the other students at the gym are my biggest motivators. I love how positive and friendly everyone is, and I’ve met so many strong individuals from working out there. My favorite part is going to the sauna after my workout; if there are a lot of people in there, there is always good conversation going on. I usually go later in the afternoon, so I’ll see a lot of the same people and it’s really nice getting to know people outside of my graduate program. I definitely miss the sauna a lot, and because I’ve only been doing bodyweight exercises lately, I miss the dumbbells too!

What adjustments have you made to your workout routine now that you aren’t exercising in a traditional setting like the Leach?

I don’t own any sort of dumbbells or barbells, so I’ve learned a variety of new body weight exercises. I also ordered some resistance bands, so those have been fun to try out and incorporate in my workouts.

Are there any tips and tricks you have for Leach patrons who are now working out from home?

Try something new! I’ve done a kickboxing class through YouTube, and it was so much fun and made me sweat way more than I thought it would. Also, make a schedule and stick to it. If I don’t stay consistent with my workouts, then I easily become unmotivated. Also, the virtual fitness classes through Campus Rec helped keep me sane in the beginning of quarantine.  

What are some things you would have liked to know before you started your fitness journey? What pushedyou to become a patron of the Leach?

Before I started my fitness journey, I would have liked to focus less on weight. I used to step on a scale every time I went to the gym, but nowadays, I rarely know how much I weigh. Instead, I focus on how my body looks and feels and if I am feeling content with myself. What pushed me to become a patron was how great the equipment is, even though I have an apartment at my gym the equipment doesn’t compare. In general, the Leach is much better than most gyms in Tallahassee!

What’s your current favorite workout move?

Since I don’t have any weights at home, I’ve been trying to increase my push-up PR. My favorite muscle group to workout is my back, so I also work towards increasing my chin-up PR too, and I recently found out that the outdoor gym on campus also has pull-up bars!

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Leach Journeys (Remote Edition): Olivia Vidueira

[By: Claudia Guerra]

How are you staying motivated and active?

I’m staying active by planning a different home workout for each day of the week. I love to dance, so taking dance classes from home, as well as Cardio dance classes with Campus Rec’s virtual programming has been great for me! In addition to specific workouts, I love getting outside and biking, walking, running, or going for a swim. I’ve been very motivated to get outside and enjoying the fresh air. Being able to do remote classes with Campus Rec has been a great amenity and has helped keep me active!

How has the Leach impacted you? What do you miss the most about the Leach?

The Leach has helped me grow throughout my fitness journey. When I got to FSU and saw everything that the Leach had to offer, I was excited to try all of it. What I find myself missing the most about the Leach is the amazing equipment and machines. I also miss the welcoming faces of Leach patrons and workers, along with all of the friends I always run into at the gym!

What adjustments have you made to your workout routine now that you aren’t exercising in a traditional setting like the Leach?

I cleared out some space in my house and my back patio to use as an at-home gym. When it comes down to my workouts, I’ve made a few adjustments because I’m so used to the machines and equipment at the Leach, I’ve had to increase my reps to make up for the lack of weight I’m working with.

Are there any tips and tricks you have for Leach patrons who are now working out from home?

I would advise them to use this opportunity to try new things and set goals for themselves. I tried a 30-day 100 squats per day challenge and I loved it! This is something I probably never would have done if I’d just been working out at the gym. I’ve also been working on new yoga poses and trying unique workouts outside of my comfort zone! Since we are all at home, it is the perfect opportunity to challenge ourselves in new ways!

What are some things you would have liked to know before you started your fitness journey? What pushedyou to become a patron of the Leach?

I would have liked to know more about the benefits of using weights while working out and how much enjoyable it can be to try different fitness formats! What pushed me to become a Leach patron was the group fitness classes. I tried a different one every day, from Pilates to Spin and I loved them all! Once I got more comfortable working out, I decided to venture onto the floor and workout with the machines. I’ve loved it all!

What’s your current favorite workout move?

I’ve always loved them, but recently Spider-Man pushups have become my favorite!

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Leach Journeys (Remote Edition): Jason Loy

[By: Claudia Guerra]

How are you staying motivated and active?

Weekly HIIT30 classes are keeping me motivated and active throughout the week. By either teaching them or taking them, they definitely get me sweaty and it’s a total body workout (no weights required).

How has the Leach impacted you? What do you miss the most about the Leach?

Leach is a home away from home, you always see someone you know there, it’s a time to forget about everything and enjoy working out or chilling with friends, the environment is a definite stress reliever. In between classes or whenever I have a break, I usually just hang out in the atrium of the Leach.

I miss group fitness classes, specifically F45. Having a community that has the same mindset I do when it comes to fitness, health and wellbeing is another thing I miss a lot about the Leach.

What adjustments have you made to your workout routine now that you aren’t exercising in a traditional setting like the Leach?

I have switched over to more bodyweight exercises and circuit style workouts to make up for the lack of equipment I am used to from the Leach.

Are there any tips and tricks you have for Leach patrons who are now working out from home?

Be open minded and try different things out! You can literally use anything as a weight or just go bodyweight. Experiment and create your own exercises.  

What are some things you would have liked to know before you started your fitness journey? What pushed you to become a patron of the Leach?

I knew from the beginning that patience is key, it is an important part of the process especially starting out. Also, if you consistently monitor and hold yourself accountable then you will reach your goals. Your body is capable of doing whatever it can, but you have to have the right mindset first in order to achieve the goals you set.

What’s your current favorite workout move?

Ice skaters because they keep you moving, and you look cool doing it!

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Leach Journeys (Remote Edition): Hannah Winkleman

[By: Claudia Guerra]

How are you staying motivated and active?

My roommate and I are currently in Tallahassee. We’ve realized it’s easy to become lazy during this time, because of that we have made it a point to keep a consistent schedule.  Every day we are adamant about waking up, attending our zoom classes, and working out by noon. We have noticed that if we don’t get our workout in before noon, we probably won’t exercise that day. Staying on track with our schedules keeps us as “normal” and active as we can be.  Having someone with me to work out definitely motivates me to remain active and stay committed to my routine.  

How has the Leach impacted you? What do you miss the most about the Leach?

The Leach has impacted me greatly. Before college I was a competitive dancer, so my workouts were a lot different than what I am used to now.  Every day I would go to my dance practices and honestly it never felt like I was working out.  However, when I came to college, I gave up dancing. I knew that without it I would need to find a new physical outlet to keep me active. My first summer as a freshman at FSU, I went to the Leach and since then it has honestly changed my life. The Leach has become a place for me to go where I can destress and focus on improving myself. Over the past three years the Leach has allowed me to challenge myself to reach new goals, feel a sense of accomplishment, and overall grow as a person.  I think what I miss the most about the Leach is the positive energy that’s always present, and of course the sauna and steam room.  

What adjustments have you made to your workout routine now that you aren’t exercising in a traditional setting like the Leach?

Now that I am not in a traditional setting like the Leach my workout routine has changed a little bit. Still, I have tried to keep my workout routine relatively similar to what it was while I worked out at the Leach. Every day I try run at least two miles. Instead of running on a treadmill, which I would typically prefer, I now run around campus and I find it really enjoyable. I’ve also switched from arm or leg machines to weights or resistance bands. I came to conclusion that using those or even my own body weight can help me accomplish the same thing a machine could.  

Are there any tips and tricks you have for Leach patrons who are now working out from home?

I would say my tips and tricks for working out at home is to stay motivated.  I know from experience it is really easy to lose motivation to do anything and just sit around instead. Yet, I think with any work out, the first step is changing your state of mind and doing something — even if its small. Once you’ve conquered the mind game, I think I would advise to just get outside.  For me, exercising outside clears my mind and helps me a lot during [these] times of uncertainty.  I was never big on running outside, but lately I have really enjoyed the change in scenery.  For workouts themselves my tips would be to honestly YouTube things if you aren’t sure how to approach new workouts.  I have also realized, that you don’t need anything crazy to have a good workout, you can use free weights you buy at a store, or resistance bands or even your own body weight can you help you have a just as productive, if not better, at home workout.  

What are some things you would have liked to know before you started your fitness journey? What pushedyou to become a patron of the Leach?

When I started my fitness journey, I woish I would have realized that every person’s body is different, and you really can’t compare yourself to anyone.  Overtime I think I’ve felt my greatest sense of accomplishment by seeing my own personal growth not how I compare it to someone else’s. Additionally, for anyone starting their fitness journey I believe it is important to know that endurance and strength is only half the battle, the hardest part is your mindset.  Recognizing that change is not immediate, and you have to keep going can be the hardest obstacle when working out. Once you have the right attitude, the exercise part is all about consistency and practice.  

What’s your current favorite workout move?

I’d say my current favorite workout move is just running. Typically, I prefer to run on a treadmill, but given the circumstances I’ve been running outside, and I’ve loved every minute of it. When I’m running outside, I notice improvements in my endurance and the change of scenery definitely helps me run longer and keeps me engaged. Also, with running I like to push myself and set new goals: running farther or faster.  

[fsucampusrec]

Leach Journeys (Remote Edition): Rachel Dale

[By: Claudia Guerra]

How are you staying motivated and active?

My sister and I have been doing simple at home workouts in her apartment. We will put on some music, preferably old throwbacks, and really jam out so it’s enjoyable. I have also really been getting into running. Right now, my classes are really tough and a single question on an assignment can sometimes take up to five hours to do, so in order to keep my sanity I will go on short 15-minute jogs around my neighborhood every 90 minutes or so. By doing this I clear my mind and it helps me feel refreshed by the time I get back to my assignment.

How has the Leach impacted you? What do you miss the most about the Leach?

I miss the smiles as I swipe people into the Leach, the welcoming faces at the front desk, and the enthusiasm radiating from the personal trainers. I miss the encouragement from the Leach’s welcoming atmosphere, the encouragement to give my best as soon as I walk through the doors.

What adjustments have you made to your workout routine now that you aren’t exercising in a traditional setting like the Leach?

I have been doing a lot more stretching and yoga. It is nice to take a breath since I am so accustomed a fast-paced life in Tallahassee. I usually strength train five to six times a week with each workout session lasting at least an hour. Without the Leach, I pretty much have been doing the exact opposite. I’ve been sporadically doing light workouts through my entire day to keep me from getting lethargic and to destress from all the chaos going on around me. When I wake up or just before bed, even a couple of times throughout the afternoon, I’ll just sit down, relax and do some yoga. I like to finish with an ab workout and then I’ll move on with my day. It’s nice to slow down and focus on smaller movements with a slower rhythm.

Are there any tips and tricks you have for Leach patrons who are now working out from home?

Now is a great time to break down mental barriers surrounding certain exercises and stretches. For instance, sometimes I feel awkward trying new resistance band workouts or yoga poses, so I have been working on getting myself comfortable with my form when doing these exercises. Being in the comfort of my own home has given me the opportunity to practice before going back to such a large facility like the Leach. I’ve found that it’s super exciting to push yourself to try to hold a weird pose and if you fail, who cares?

I am grateful for the chance to take on new workouts and have a fresh environment because I was stuck in a repetitive routine. This change of pace really makes your determination shine through!

What are some things you would have liked to know before you started your fitness journey? What pushed you to become a patron of the Leach?

I was hired to work for FSU Campus Rec during the Summer term in 2018, which got my foot in the door and pushed me to join the Leach Community. Immediately I was connected to a group of students who, like me, were passionate about growth and improvement, both mentally and physically. After that, I spent most of my time at the Leach — between working, exercising, or spending a couple of extra minutes in between classes finishing up some homework, I was always there. I became a regular as the Leach started to become a familiar place for me.  I have made countless friendships that have begun with a simple, “Hey, I see you at Leach all of the time.” So, as it turns out the Leach, which started out as just a job, provided me both a home and a community.

At the beginning of my fitness Journey, I wish someone would have told me to keep experimenting and give every routine, every machine, every exercise a chance. You’ll be surprised by which workouts you end up absolutely adoring and which ones aren’t a right fit for you. In my case, I have never been fond of back squats, I have a pinched nerve in my neck, and I get way too paranoid about my form. But it was the only form of squatting I was used to, so I just stuck with it. It took me nearly three years to venture out and discover my love for front squats. They’re my go to for most leg days now! I was so trapped in my comfort zone; I didn’t want to step outside of it. So, my advice is: try it once and if you don’t like it, then you never have to do it again! (Hopefully later down the road you will try it again). But at least you can find peace in knowing that you gave it try. Don’t confine yourself to an idea of what you think you do or don’t like, because you might be really surprised by what you find peace in.

What’s your current favorite workout move?

I love planks. Always have and always will. They’re so effective, they engage your full body, and are honestly fun. It’s cool pushing yourself to see how long you can go. I also like that there are so many variations to it!