Strength in community

Whether in a dark room cycling class or a high-energy Tread & Shred session, instructors like Ari Lerner, Keysha Gem Patel, Sadra Marjai and Blair Franciscus are discovering that leading workouts is about more than fitness.

For the instructors, each class reinforces the idea that campus isn’t just a place to study; it’s a network of people who care, listen, and show up for one another, and they agree that these experiences foster a deeper sense of inclusion and shared responsibility within the campus environment.

It’s about fostering relationships, inspiring others, and cultivating a shared sense of belonging. In the process, they’re learning to balance motivation with mindfulness, confidence with empathy, and individual growth with community well-being.

“Over the past year, I’ve built a community of regular attendees in my class, and they’ve truly become like family to me,” said Keysha Gem Patel, Dark Room Cycle instructor. “I try to inspire everyone through teamwork, often incorporating group challenges into class. This helps foster a strong sense of community and keeps people excited to return week after week.”

That sense of connection doesn’t stop when the workout ends. By sharing challenges and celebrating successes alongside their peers, these student-instructors have built trust and mutual support that extends beyond the studio.

“Fitness has been one of the most grounding and confidence-building parts of my college experience, and I want others to experience that same sense of empowerment,” said Blair Franciscus, Tread & Shred and Spin instructor. “When someone tells me that my class helped them de-stress or reset during a busy week, it reminds me why I love teaching—it’s about building confidence and community one workout at a time.”

Read on to learn more about these student-instructors and how they build strength through community.

Meet the instructors