By Annie Russell
Assistant Features Editor
CSU Bakersfield has welcomed in a new Fitness and Wellness Coordinator Leah Bank this winter quarter.
Bank is now a part of the Student Recreation Center staff, bringing in a new perspective of wellness. Her flying trapeze experience and past jobs in fitness stemmed her passion for health.
For 10 to 15 years Bank has been a flying trapeze participant and instructor.
Bank also worked as a group exercise instructor immersing herself in hard work with much dedication to her job.
“I’ve been a group exercise instructor for about six years, so that’s how I initially got interested in the field of fitness and wellness,” said Bank.
Prior to moving to Bakersfield, Bank was a graduate student at Montclair State University in New Jersey.
She often spent time as a graduate assistant teaching undergraduate classes in fitness assessments.
Bank moved to Bakersfield in January and shortly after started working at the SRC.
“I really like that, one, I am able to work with students every day. It’s really one of my passions,” Bank said.
One of Bank’s goals as a Fitness and Wellness Coordinator is to reach as many students as possible to use the services provided in the SRC, such as attending the group exercise classes, and utilizing the personal trainers at the gym.
Students can easily access the group exercise schedule on the CSUB webpage under the SRC tag, where they can also find the gym hours and class descriptions.
Bank hopes that students will recognize that “fitness is a part of our overall wellness.”
Bank oversees multiple groups during the day, which keeps her constantly busy and on her feet.
Human biology major Alexandra Thomason, who works in the SRC, said that Bank was a great addition to the team.
“She really is energized and has a positive attitude toward everything she does,” said Thomason.
Some of the areas that Bank oversees includes the SRC’s group exercise department, personal trainers, fitness advisers, floor monitors and the wellness department.
Bank makes sure each area is doing their job accurately and efficiently.
“It’s definitely been a busy transition for me. But I’m working with a great team of co-workers who support me. A great boss who is mentoring me in my position and then students who are here because they’re also passionate about fitness so that makes my job easier,” said Bank.
