By Lindsay Brunson

Recreation Ambassador

In listing my New Year’s Resolutions for the 2025 year, I wanted to create a health specific goal. I have always been a cardio focused exerciser, confidently hoping on a treadmill or Peloton bike. But as I continue to age and prioritize my health goals, I found myself becoming more curious about what will serve me in the long term. 

Recreation Ambassador, Lindsay Brunson

I would consider myself a generally healthy person. I have a background in college athletics (track and field and cross country) then moving from my college town in the Midwest to a Mountain town (Salt Lake City, UT) where outdoor rec is a cultural phenomenon. I have always maintained a healthy lifestyle. In researching long term fitness goals as a woman in her 30s, bone health and muscle strength is a priority. Knowing this is best accomplished through strength training, this became my 2025 health goal.

Walking into a gym can feel a bit overwhelming. I found my eyes searching the room for a comfortable starting spot. What I love about MIT Recreation’s Zesiger Center, affectionately, “the Z” is the multi-level build that provides something for everyone. Improving your health should feel inclusive, and I believe the Z offers a good fit for all. Whether it’s your first time ever stepping into a gym space, or if you have a routine fitness regime, all are welcome. 

As I joined the MIT Rec Ambassador program, the opportunity came to trial one of the many incredible offerings at MIT Rec. I elected to try Personal Training. I felt this experience would give me the confidence I desired in my pursuit to increase my gym comfortability.  I’ve always been truly in awe of the mechanics of our bodies and want to continue to challenge myself in areas that will build the foundation for years to come. Building the foundation now, sets you up for success in the future.  

I met with my personal trainer, James, on a Sunday afternoon at the Zesiger Center. James had a cool confidence, which provided me with the same by the end of our session. He guided me through our time together by listening to my personal goals, paired with learning my background and comfortability. James used this information to curate a specific approach for my needs and goals. James understood my insecurities and quickly erased my fears of feeling like being comfortable in a gym space was unachievable. James’ expertise and knowledge reassured me of my strengths and corrected my weaknesses in a skillful and empowering tone. 

Throughout our session, James guided me through foundational movements (ie. squats, lunges, rows, presses) and provided feedback where I could improve technique, and most importantly safely use equipment. James adapted movements to my specific anatomy and educated me on why and how I could best accomplish skillful actions. By the end of our 1 hour session, I felt: strong, confident, and motivated to continue my fitness journey. As most new endeavors go, practice improves skill. I am incredibly proud of how far I’ve come from that personal training session. 

Following our session, James reached out with a workout routine/format that he uses with his clients. As well as an article with evidence-based research around specific questions I had during our session. I am so grateful for my time with James, and highly encourage both novice and advanced members to book a session. Personal training builds such an incredible base to hold yourself accountable to your goals and move safely to pursue health not just as a New Year’s resolution, but a lifelong journey. There are so many incredible offerings provided by MIT Recreation. I encourage all to utilize them in curating your own health goal this year. I truly believe MIT Recreation offers the perfect fit for all.