Trojan Fitness and Wellness Center helps students keep fitness resolutions

While many New Year’s resolutions fade, the Trojan Fitness and Wellness Center (TFWC), also known as the Rec Center, is working to help students stick to healthy exercise habits throughout the semester. 

Georgia Bagdonas, a sophomore global business major and Huntsville, Alabama, native, is a personal trainer and fitness instructor at the TFWC. Bagdonas believes that healthy habits start in the mind before they start in the body. 

“It's about discipline and teaching yourself that the gym is not just a hobby or something that you can do in your free time,” Bagdonas said. “It's something that must become a lifestyle.” 

According to Bagdonas, consistency and volume are essential to making progress in the gym. 

“It’s all about being consistent, even showing up on days that you don't want to,” Bagdonas said. “A lot of my clients say, ‘I feel like I work out a lot, but I don’t see results.’ 

“It’s important that you push yourself to the highest level. It’s important that you’re increasing the weight or running a further distance, even just a little bit, every time you work out.” 

Bagdonas says setting achievable milestones, especially with an accountability partner, helps students maintain a consistent fitness routine.

“I think finding someone that you can come to the gym with that can hold you accountable makes things fun,” Bagdonas said. “On those days when you're not really feeling like going to the gym, your partner is there to motivate you. 

The TFWC also offers group fitness classes for students who may feel overwhelmed by traditional gym workouts. 

“Finding something that works for you is very important,” Bagdonas said. “I know a lot of people can be intimidated by coming in here and lifting weights or maybe cardio. 

“Something that I would encourage people to do is to take advantage of the classes we offer here at Troy. For example, let’s say you want to get into lifting weights, but you're not very confident in it. 

“I would say trying one of our body pump classes. You're going to be doing lower weights, but higher reps of things. 

“That class is really going to teach you that technique. All our classes in general are high in energy, and you can go at your own pace.” 

Micah Kennington, a junior marketing major from Spanish Fort, Alabama, broke down his fitness goals for 2026. 

“Last year, around the holidays, I looked in the mirror and I realized I needed to get back to the gym,” Kennington said. “Since then, I’ve been consistently going to the gym for about a year. 

“I was 215 pounds, now I’m down 160 pounds. My goal for this year is to build my muscles back up.  

“I'm trying to get better at cooking and eating the right things.” 

Eric Vance, a freshman undecided major from Moody, Alabama, also has similar aspirations. 

Simon Brown photo

Vance works out in the TFWC.

“I love the gym,” Vance said. “I’ve been consistently going for around a year now. 

“I’ve been trying to see how big I can possibly get. I for sure didn’t start out the biggest. 

“Seeing my progress in the mirror definitely keeps me going.” 

Students interested in group fitness classes can register through the IM Leagues app.

Semester access costs $30, while day passes are available for $2.