Looking to improve your fitness? Exercise science students looking for volunteers | Today at Elon
Through the upper-level course Exercise Testing and Prescription, Elon students will work one-on-one with volunteer participants from the university community.
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Members of the Elon community have the opportunity in Spring 2026 to receive individualized fitness programming through a partnership with students in the Department of Exercise Science.
Through the upper-level course Exercise Testing and Prescription, students will work one-on-one with volunteer participants from the Elon community. Students will conduct fitness assessments, learn about participants’ health histories and goals, and design customized exercise programs. Throughout the semester, students will meet individually with participants at times that are mutually convenient to help guide progress and make adjustments as needed.
National Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, along with two sessions of resistance training. While these recommendations provide a general framework, they often leave individuals wondering how to tailor exercise to their own lifestyles, schedules and health goals.
“The exercise necessary to improve fitness takes time from other things, and exactly what to do to get the benefits you want can be hard to figure out,” said Liz Bailey, assistant teaching professor of exercise science. “The best exercise program for most individuals is one that is designed to meet individual goals and takes into consideration individual likes/dislikes, time and access.”
Research consistently demonstrates the benefits of improved cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal fitness. Higher fitness levels are associated with a reduced risk of premature death and improved symptoms of mild depression. At the same time, prolonged sedentary behavior — such as sitting more than seven hours per day — has been linked to increased risk of conditions including diabetes and dyslipidemia.
“We want to empower participating individuals so they can access some of the many benefits increased fitness can bring,” said Liz Bailey, assistant teaching professor of exercise science. “The opportunity to work with an individual is also a valuable learning experience for the students and me, so participants have the potential to make a lasting impact on us as well.”
Community members interested in participating or learning more are encouraged to contact Liz Bailey, assistant teaching professor of exercise science, at [email protected].
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