How’s your New Year’s resolution going? If you’re like most of the world, probably not great – the second Friday in January is referred to as “quitters day,” after all.

But if working out is one of your resolutions, students at MacEwan can help! The Fit Buddy program pairs experienced student volunteers with newbies to help them feel more familiar and comfortable with the gym, pool and fitness classes. 

Daniel Sorochan, a Bachelor of Arts student, has come full circle. “Last year, I had zero experience going to the gym,” he admits. But now he’s a regular – and a brand new Fit Buddy volunteer. 

Sorochan first signed up to be paired with a Fit Buddy in September 2023. He says his Fit Buddy knew the gym like the back of his hand. “I learned a lot from him, we pushed each other and we became friends.” The pair worked out together for the rest of the academic year. 

Now Sorochan wants to extend that kind of support to a new group of students. “I've learned a lot from my own experience and I'd like to be able to share that with other folks.” 

Students can volunteer to become a Fit Buddy and spend up to three sessions with participants. The program runs September through April, and volunteers can use the experience towards their Student Experience Record. 

Sorochan says working out at the gym has helped him to know his body better, which extends to other areas of his life, including his ball hockey league. “Knowing some of your strengths and limitations is a super important thing,” he says. “For me, I like playing ball hockey. I try to do some cardio every now and then, and legs to be able to stay on my feet longer.” 

It’s not all easy breezy for Sorochan. He knows the woes of waning motivation. “Sometimes you just don’t want to go,” he says. “But you're helping yourself with your health, you're developing character and developing commitment.” 

Interested students can sign up on MacEwan’s Sport and Wellness site to volunteer or participate. 

And in the meantime, Sorochan has some advice for sticking with it. “I think of the saying ‘The pain today makes tomorrow easier.’”