Bootcamps all about connections for graduating instructor
Bridget Stafford has led the popular M.O.V.E. Bootcamps for most of her four years as a Miami student
Bootcamps all about connections for graduating instructor
Bridget Stafford has led the popular M.O.V.E. Bootcamps for most of her four years as a Miami student
Throughout her time as a student at Miami University, Bridget Stafford officiated intramural basketball, studied abroad in Costa Rica, and worked as an assistant manager for Rapid Fired Pizza.
But, one of the most nerve-wracking – and rewarding – experiences she’s had at Miami has been the Saturdays each semester she stands outside on the second floor deck of Lewis Place to lead Miamians and community members in 45-minute M.O.V.E. Bootcamp sessions.
Since the end of her first year at the university, Stafford has served as instructor for the popular bootcamps, gradually tweaking the format to more closely match her personality. A double major in Mathematics and Integrated Mathematics from Columbus, Stafford is also a fitness instructor at Miami’s Rec Center, where she teaches Zumba, Pilates, and a body combat class she compares to kickboxing.
“When I originally started, I would get good feedback, and I was able to mix it up,” Stafford said. “That was my favorite part, making it my own with a variety of exercises. It’s so fun when you can incorporate different exercises. It gives people a sample of many different formats.”
A self-described extrovert, Stafford gravitated toward fitness after graduating from high school. She had been an athlete in high school, cheerleading and basketball, and was looking to find her passion elsewhere.
It was through her work with the Rec Center that Stafford first joined the bootcamp. The instructors at the time were looking for help, and Stafford was eager to join the initiative helmed by Miami President Gregory Crawford and University Ambassador Dr. Renate Crawford.
Stafford has a close bond with the Crawfords. She said she’ll text them with exciting news and described Renate Crawford as “my second mom on campus.”
“The fact that you can have such a unique relationship with them, not many people can say they’ve had that opportunity,” Stafford said.
The Crawfords founded the bootcamps as a way to focus on health, both physical and mental. While they started with a handful of attendees, the bootcamps have flourished over the years with repeat participants as well as new faces.
Having a reliable lead instructor like Stafford has been an important part of the success of the bootcamps, including when more than 500 participants crowded the Lewis Place backyard in August.
“Bridget does a fantastic job. We are extremely fortunate we’ve been able to benefit from her expertise these past four years,” Renate Crawford said. “She has so much energy and enthusiasm for fitness, which matches our own passions. She’s a wonderful instructor, and we are going to miss her leading the way on Saturday mornings.”
The bootcamps are ways to engage with the Miami community and show the importance of exercise and how health and wellness are crucial to student success.
“Bridget is a tremendous ambassador for Miami University,” President Crawford said. “We are deeply grateful for her dedication and willingness to lead the bootcamps during her time as a student. We know she will bring that same level of commitment to everything she does in the future. Bridget exemplifies Love and Honor in every way. Her enthusiasm for her work and her love for Miami are truly infectious.”
Stafford is among the degree candidates for the May 16 Spring Commencement ceremony. She’ll stay relatively close to Oxford as she begins her role as a math teacher in the New Miami school district.
Her fitness journey also continues. Stafford will teach Pilates for the Body Alive fitness chain.
Beyond the physical aspects of the bootcamps, Stafford has greatly enjoyed the camaraderie the sessions offer. She’ll routinely spend time afterward chatting with participants about graduation, future plans, feedback, and more.
“It’s the connections and building relationships,” Stafford said. “We all get to come together and move together. The fitness world is such a rewarding job. You get to see people laugh, smile, and have fun. It’s so cool to see people come out of their shell.”