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Back to school season is upon us. Whether you’re just starting school, returning for another semester, or are an old alumni reminiscing about the old days (me); you can sense when another chapter of life is about to begin. This “feeling” got me thinking... what advice would I give to myself starting college if I could do it all again?  Dear younger me: 1. Get out of your comfort zone There are over 20,000 people at this university. Get out and meet people. Stop being shy and stop catering to other people. Yet, I pretty much kept to my hallmates my first year. Fast forward, met my now husband my junior year because I joined an organization. 2. Do NOT study in your dorm room For peeps sake, the library is next to your dorm and it’s the PERFECT place to study. Seriously, anywhere can be a study spot - the cafe table, the atrium lounge, or outside! I wouldn’t find this out until the 2nd semester, as I was almost failing out of college and trying to figure out what went wrong. 3. It is okay to change your major Freshman year is about finding out what you enjoy and what you aren’t good at. Biology, Microbio, genetics, and chemistry aren’t your thing. From engineering, to psychology, to human nutrition, foods, and exercise…you’ll be okay. I really wish students had more guidance and counseling in this because choosing your career right after high school is too much pressure. 4. Utilize the things you’re already paying for: career services, counseling, gym GIRLLLL, things in the real world are EXPENSIVE! Start using career services, mental health counseling, and the gym sooner. I didn’t use these until my junior year and man, how life would be different! 5. Sprinkle the fun classes into your schedule, don’t save them for senior year School is not a sprint, it’s a marathon; so enjoy every step of the process. I saved the educational prep classes of “Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Training” for my senior year because I thought they would be “fun” classes. And I really wish I didn’t do that because this, THIS right here, helped me discover my passion and now career. In the end, you have to accept that things happened how and when they did to get you to this very point in your life...but being the person that you needed when you were a shy freshman today, makes a big difference for someone else tomorrow. What advice would you give your younger self? Let us know in the comments.
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About two weeks ago, leaders in campus recreation gathered at the beautiful Embassy Suites in Wilmington, North Carolina. Knowledge bombs were dropped, laughs were had, complimentary breakfast was devoured, and most of all, connections were made. At first, the summit was once a “what if”, an “oh that would be so cool to do”, and a “maybe one day” idea. This is the recap of the day Globetrotter Wellness Solutions drew its line in the sand. Eastern Carolina University, Wake Forest University, UNC Charlotte, Radford University, Virginia Tech, University of Illinois, UNC Asheville, and Matrix were in attendance. This day and a half event was packed with lifelong lessons, networking, and fun of course.  Day 1 started off with insight on organizational culture, presented by Steven Trotter, Principal of Globetrotter Wellness Solutions.  Liz Greenlee, Assistant Director of Fitness and Wellness at Radford University, presenting on Generation Z.  Later on, we discussed developing world class programs and facilities.  After a long first day, we celebrated with an incredible view on the rooftop bar and of course, had to hydrate and refuel.  Kia Williams, Assistant Director of Fitness Programs at the University of Illinois and Master Trainer for Barre Above, enlightened us on Customer Service vs. Customer Satisfaction.  Will Trent, Marketing Manager for Virginia Tech Recreational Sports, presented on strategic marketing.  We ended the day on goal setting, self evaluation, and professional development. Then off to the beach the Globetrotter Wellness Solutions team went!  Thank you to all attendees, as well as our co-sponsor Fitness Asset Manager for making this event possible. We hope the connections you made in Wilmington extend beyond boundaries and act as career resources. The ultimate end result of this event was for you to be able to bring back your new found knowledge and put it into practice right away despite your setting or situation. Globetrotter Wellness Solutions strives to bring you local solutions that make a global impact. Our goal is to help you achieve yours. Interested in bringing an event like this near you or us facilitating a workshop? Drop us a note and let us know where we should globe trot to next at [email protected].
 Flashback to the early 2000’s, I was a pre-teen at home on summer break carelessly flipping through TV channels trying to find something to watch. I stumbled upon TLC’s What Not To Wear with Stacy London and Clinton Kelly, and was immediately hooked! I related to the real-life fashion offenders on TV because I too, had loose baggy clothing, frumpy hair, and didn’t know how to color-coordinate with my shoes. Being an overweight child and spending a lot of time with my brother, you could say I was a tomboy. I remember wearing gym sneakers with EVERY outfit even in high school, I loved comfort over style. I recently had an interview at a local gym for a coaching position and asked Steven, what do I wear?! That experience is the inspiration for today’s blog. If you’re a personal trainer or group fitness instructor, I’m sure the same thought has crossed your mind. The short answer is, well it depends… Usually in the fitness industry, interviews have two parts: The Interview: This is the traditional sit down with the hiring manager and questions are asked. I say when in doubt go with business casual. For men, slacks or khakis with at least a polo or collared shirt. For women, a nice blouse with pants or a dress. If you are interviewing for management, dress business professional. The Practical: Being in the fitness industry our job to help people move so it’s only natural to make you demonstrate your skills in when hiring. With personal training, this might be a mock client situation or you may be given a scenario. With group fitness, it may be a short 5-15 minute demo class or small group training. As managers, we know within the first 10 minutes if we intend to hire you or not. Regardless, wear clothing that looks the part. Make sure you’re not rocking that busted old free t-shirt you got in college that may or may not have an armpit hole. Try for workout shorts, capris, or leggings, and a top that isn’t too revealing (save that crop top for a rainy day). Bonus points if your outfit can match a little to show you gave some thought into your demo. I would bring this change of clothes whether or not you know if they’d like you to be active during your interview process. Be prepared! Thanks for tuning in to the What Not To Fear: Fitness Edition (Shirt and Shoes probably required) Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended. All rights to What Not To Wear belong to TLC
Disclaimer: this blog is not about hurricane safety; however, in wake of recent events I hope you know to not ride out an actual hurricane. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are facing the effects of storms in North Carolina and Florida.  Today, we revisit Steven’s previous blog, and discuss how to be channel resilience when riding out (metaphorical) storms in your life. Whether it be a breakup, a move, a job-loss, an unexpected death in the family; we all go through storms- sometimes it sprinkles, sometimes it rains, and sometimes it just straight down pours. Resilience is the ability to not just survive difficult situations, but also thrive and be stronger because of them. Resilience, like wellness, is not constant, it is shaped by the stage of life we’re in or what we’re going through. Like a river, it ebbs and flows. Recently through self-reflection, I haven’t been feeling like myself. I started a 9-5 job about a month ago and am not feeling fulfilled whatsoever. However, I knew that this was getting my foot in the door and I actively sought out the opportunities I wanted. Because I “rode out my storm” of dissatisfaction, I’m thrilled to announce I will start teaching group fitness classes next week! I haven’t taught in about two months. You’re probably aware I love teaching. No matter the subject, we are always students, there is always more we can learn. Back to the subject at hand, I also don’t feel like my true self because my wedding is less than a month away now! Let me tell you, I am not the traditional bride. I HATE wedding planning. Weddings are time consuming, expensive, stressful, and there are so many event details and moving parts. In combination, these external life factors have taken a great toll on my happiness. However, I have chosen to believe in resilience, and the power of knowing there will be an end. In the words of our girl Kelly Clarkson, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” After you ride out your storm, the sun will shine. Your friend in wellness,
Episode 5: An Acronym That Helps Failure Make Sense I’m only a few blogs in, and I have to be honest - it’s easy for me to super-overthink these. Being limited 100 words is quite the challenge. (Especially for someone who’s rarely is at a loss for words - lol). I find myself staring at the computer screen overthinking it so much that I sometimes fail to even begin. I’m sure I’m not alone in this situation... The anxiety, overthinking, or just fear of failure causes you to shy away from trying. Here’s why I love FAILure. Often times, it’s your First (or if not your first, it’s a Further) Attempt In Learning Don’t let the fear of failure keep you from trying. I try to physically write down this acronym whenever I start a project so I’m visually reminded that life is all one big learning process. Side Note Shoutout - I’d like to thank two giants in my industry, Mirum Washington-White and Dr. R. Kevin Marbury, for teaching me this lesson.
Experiencing low attendance in your classes or is your gym going through a lull in new members? Globetrotter Wellness Solutions has tips for you that range from thinking outside the box with untapped markets to creative strategies on how to recruit new members. Recruiting New Members
"Gym and Juice highlights all of our amazing programs in a 2-hour window! Here members can get a taste of juice and a class that may be their future fitness home! We have seen multiple members try things they would never have before. It is a great sampler of all areas of group fitness!" Ashley Dunn Group Fitness Manager O2 Hanover and Mayfaire
5. Go Corporate. Reach out to large companies while relaying the importance of employee wellness and offer a special discount for their employees. 6. Sponsor or host a charity event. Get your name out there whether it’s a 5k run or sponsoring a local health fair. Associate your name with a great cause to gain more exposure. Untapped Markets 1. Elderly. The baby boomers are growing! Try teaching a stretching or chair yoga class targeting this special population.  2. Children. Kids have a ton of energy. What better way to burn off that energy than to have a class just for them? Take it to the next level and have a class for kids and their parents, where the adults workout while the kids play together. A win win for all. 3. Men. The boys like to stay in the weight room, try hosting a men’s only class such as yoga (Broga), etc. Get their feet wet with group exercise and reiterate the importance of variety in their workouts. Swole Steve might bench 315 pounds, but can’t hold a 30 second plank. We hope you learned something new and challenge you to implement one of these tactics in the next two weeks. Let us know how it went in the comments below! Sometimes recruiting new members, means investing more in the ones you already have. Find the hidden treasure right in front of you and get recruiting! Alicia Everette A millennial wellness enthusiast trying to figure out life. Coupon Queen. Experimental Chef. Personal Trainer. Aspiring Health Coach. Tips on how to deal with budget cuts and employee turnover  Summer is almost here and in the world of higher education, that means some staff are probably transitioning to new roles and the search for new employees has begun. Across the nation, funding for education is dwindling. This topic hits close to home as Western Kentucky University had to lay people off and slash budgets across the board; therefore, I named this era “Cutting Season.” Fitness fanatics out there may have thought, “Wait, cardio and clean eating?” No, no my fitness friend, today we will discuss tips on how to move forward when you are faced with a budget cut and how to deal with employee turnover. Globetrotter Wellness Solutions will help you prevail through all seasons of peaks and valleys. Budgets
Employees When it comes to employee turnover, prevention is truly the key.
 Sometimes budget cuts and employee turnover are not preventable such as someone moving for their family or to accept a better opportunity. Be thankful that your organization served as a stepping stone for said individual. As a boss, it may be frustrating having frequent turnover. So don’t be afraid to ask why people are leaving or what they would change if they were the boss. No one is going to stay with a certain organization forever. At the end of the day, humans are nomads and we are always on the move. Budgets cuts or turnover alike, be kind to those who come in and exit your life with grace and thank them for the lessons that they provide. Cutting season doesn’t mean you have to cut connections, so stay in contact with those you want to! To learn more, check out Steven Trotter's Building Rockstar Teams session at Athletic Business' 2018 show in New Orleans! Alicia Everette
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Who we areJust a team of round pegs in a square hole changing the world one interaction at a time. Look back at it
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