Student educator puts peers on path to wellness

Senior Josh Johns, a sport and exercise science major, motivates students through the Comprehensive Health Assessment and Motivation Program, or CHAMP, at the UCF Recreation and Wellness Center. As a peer educator, Johns teaches his fellow students about exercise, nutrition, stress management and sexual health.

The Central Florida Future had the opportunity to speak to Johns about being a CHAMP peer educator and why the UCF gym is a great resource for students who want to live a healthy lifestyle.

Central Florida Future: Tell me a bit about yourself.

Josh Johns: I am originally from Pensacola, Fla. I have two younger brothers. I go to the gym often to play basketball, and I also love to play many different intramural sports. Aside from sports, I like to go to the beach, cut hair and volunteer around the Central Florida area.

CFF: Where do you currently work?

Johns: At the UCF Wellness Center as a peer educator.

CFF: How did you get the job?

Johns: I was a regular in the gym and knew and interacted with most the staff, so once they were hiring, I was encouraged to apply. After that, I had the interviews and here I am!

CFF: Describe a day in the life of a peer educator.

Johns: I work [with] individual students to help motivate them as they work towards better health and wellness. I also facilitate a one-on-one lifestyle and fitness assessment that allows students to identify their personal strengths and areas for improvement. I even consult with individual students on topics such as nutrition, fitness and sexual health, stress management and make referrals to appropriate health care providers when needed.

CFF: What is CHAMP?

Johns: The Comprehensive Health Assessment and Motivation Program provides a checklist of daily lifestyle and fitness choices that contribute to students' personal and academic success at UCF. The program is also designed to assist students in planning steps towards reaching their goals. There is no charge, and freshmen can earn 1500 LINK points.

CFF: What do you want to do with your degree?

Johns: I plan to continue my education here at UCF and obtain my masters in sport and exercise science. From there, I plan to coach basketball starting at the high school level while teaching a subject in social sciences. In the future, I plan to open my own gym and have camps for the youth and do individual player training.

CFF: What do you enjoy most about your job?

Johns: The experience that I find is most rewarding with my job is knowing that I am a key component to helping my peers identify and fortify their source of motivation and to see them put their plan to action.

CFF: Why do you feel it is important for UCF students to keep fit and healthy?

Johns: I feel it is imperative as a UCF student to maintain proper health and fitness because having a workout routine and becoming fit not only creates a pattern that can be followed for a lifetime, but it helps boost the immune system.

CFF: Why is nutrition and fitness important to you?

Johns: Being nutritionally balanced and fit is important to me because I like being able to do what I want to, when I want to, and without proper fitness or nutrition, I could be limited.

CFF: Any fitness or nutrition tips?

Johns: Do cardio for at least 30 minutes per day (walking, riding a bike, running, etc.). Also make sure to eat something within one hour of waking up to help start your metabolism for the day.

CFF: How can students get involved at the Recreation and Wellness Center?

Johns: I recommend attending a free fitness orientation because a RWC staff [member] will personally escort you around the gym and inform you of all we have to offer.

CFF: What are your favorite fitness classes offered?

Johns: Zumba class is my favorite because it is high energy, the music is great and you burn a lot of calories!

CFF: What is special about the UCF gym?

Johns: It has the best of the best equipment, and there are many classes and intramural sports for students to get involved with, and the staff makes you feel at home.

CFF: How will your time at UCF help you prepare for your future job?

Johns: Being here at UCF has taught me valuable lessons, such as time management, persistence and how to communicate effectively, which will all be key assets I will use when I start my career.