There's more to getting fit than drinking protein shakes and following the latest TikTok wellness trends - it's a science. Pitt's School of Education's Department of Health and Human Development offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs and certificates designed to equip students with the expertise they need for careers in the health, wellness and fitness industries.

Leading fitness classes, tabling at wellness fairs and personal training sessions are just some of the ways these students support the Pitt community in staying healthy. These kinds of hands-on learning opportunities allow students to gain comprehension in ways that lessons from a book can't, said Kelli Davis, associate professor of practice in the School of Education.

"You can learn all of the knowledge and skills you need in a classroom, but until you actually practice those things with real people in real health-fitness settings, you don't build the necessary competency to be able to deliver safe, effective, memorable and sustainable exercise programs for people," Davis added.

Undergraduate exercise science major, Lola Botha (pictured above), leads several group fitness classes at the Recreation and Wellness Center, including ROC The Deck, Panther Pump, SkillX and other fitness classes through the University's Exercise is Medicine program.

"Everyone starts somewhere. Doctors are not born doctors, all trees start as seeds and rainbows only come after rain. You may not be the most capable person in the room, but at least you are in the room. It may seem intimidating and scary at first, but the key to success is habit formation, and it all starts with the first step." Botha's favorite pump-up track is "Circus" by ​​Britney Spears.

Keep reading to meet some of the other undergraduate and graduate students helping Pitt stay fit and discover their ideas for post-workout snacks and songs to add to your gym playlist.