This issue, David Jenkins, the coordinator of Fitness, Health and Well-being at the University of Rhode Island, shares advice on fitness programming.
What’s the first factor you consider when planning fitness programming to make sure it resonates with students?
DJ: The first factor I consider is what the purpose of the program will be — what’s the why? Identifying that purpose comes from finding out what’s important to the students we’re looking to serve. I believe by not only engaging students within our recreation spaces but also throughout campus, we can ensure we’re truly serving the needs of the entire student body. As a professional who’s passionate about creating fitness programming for students, it’s important to me for them to see someone who’s an advocate for them exploring and diving into their physical wellness journey.
Can you walk us through your process for building fitness programs from start to finish?
DJ: I have a six-step process for building out a fitness program, which I believe can be replicated at institutions of any size. This process is designed to make sure programs are effective and sustainable while also meeting the needs of the desired group and aligned with our department’s vision and values.
- Find the need. Identify the purpose of the program, which often stems from looking to fill a gap, responding to student demand, expanding reach or aligning with institutional goals.
- SWOT analysis. Identifying the initial strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the potential program is important to establish validity, value and viability.
- Proposal. Create and present a clear proposal to decision makers to obtain support and potential guidance.
- Brainstorm program. Develop the structure for the program, ensuring everything from exercises and progression to desired learning outcomes and accessibility are considered. This step often includes bringing in trainers to provide input, while beginning logistical considerations such as location, staffing needs, staff resources, equipment and run dates.
- Marketing and outreach. Whether utilizing a marketing team like we have here at the University of Rhode Island or relying on email blasts and student word of mouth, the next step is garnering attention and exposure about the program.
- Implementation and evaluation. The final step is to launch the program and evaluate it. The evaluation focuses on whether the program accomplished its goals, fulfilled its purpose and how we can potentially improve moving forward.
Why do you think planning and preparation are so important in creating engaging programs?
DJ: Planning and preparation are what drive interest, confidence and trust in a program. When I’ve done well with preparing things like marketing, ensuring staff are informed and bought in, and having everything ready to go, it captures participants’ interest because they can see the program was thoughtfully designed. As the program gets underway, the preparation shows through in the quality of the exercises and format, how the staff engage with participants and the overall experience. That’s what builds participants’ confidence in our program and ultimately trust in the department.
What advice would you give to other campus recreation professionals looking to strengthen their fitness programming?
DJ: Fitness professionals should consider looking toward exercise science and campus recreation organizations for ways to enhance programming. The American College of Sports Medicine publishes yearly fitness trends from researchers and practitioners, which I like to use to give clients opportunities to try new things. NIRSA has news, community and member discussion boards, and other resources with readily available information on improving content, promotion, creativity and all aspects of programming.
