There are an abundance of excuses many people use to shy away from exercising: energy is running low by the end of the day, there is too much homework and maybe you have a job. But, let the excuses end there.

Ryan Glatt, senior at California Lutheran University, is not only taking 19 units to earn his bachelors degree in Exercise Science, he is also a personal trainer with four clients, the vice president of the Exercise Science club, and is now teaching three fitness courses on campus.

Glatt created a fitness course called Backpack Fitness that meets Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., Killer Core on Sundays from 6p.m. to 7p.m., and Function-Fit on Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

The classes are meant to encourage students to partake in daily exercise that does not consist of the norm for most workouts. Glatt got the idea for Backpack Fitness after backpacking in Canada, Europe, Santa Barbara and Big Bear.

“I want everyone to see exercise movement as art again,” said Glatt.

He relates himself to a “workout hippie” who wants to provide motivation and teamwork through tricks and games to keep the class exciting and fresh. This course is for any fitness level and anyone who wants to enjoy their workouts again.

“I am there simply for support. The course will be challenging, but everyone goes at their own pace and level. I want each student to create their own experience,” said Glatt.
Sophomore Jaynessa Lopez is a friend of Ryan’s that attended the course Thursday morning.

“Ryan was a great motivation and was always encouraging since he participated the entire hour,” said Lopez.

Lopez said she found this course different from her normal workout. In her backpack, she had five books and two water bottles. She said she found that once she got used to the different feel of the weight, she enjoyed the challenge of using everyday items.

The course is new to the university, with Lopez as the only student in attendance, but Glatt is enthusiastic and hopes to get at least 20 to 25 students to join. Lopez said she would recommend this course to any student and that she will continue to show up Thursday mornings to workout with Glatt.

Assistant professor Louise Kelly, who has a doctorate degree in pediatric exercise science, explained in an email that, “The Exercise Science Department is committed to /educating and training top quality future health care providers.”

She finds Glatt to be a highly educated trainer that is fully dedicated to the health and well-being of not only himself, but to others as well.

Erin Chisolm
Staff Writer
Published Sept. 18, 2013