Living Well Student Staff Spotlight

  • by Written by: Kyla Schnitter

How Kate Creates Connection in Group Fitness

Behind every energetic class at the UC Davis Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) is a team of student leaders guiding the Living Well unit. 

Eleven smiling women posing in a dance studio, casual athletic wear
Kate (kneeling, far right) poses with a group of Living Well instructors in one of the ARC studios.

One of those leaders is Kate Densmore, a group exercise student manager and instructor whose work at Campus Rec extends beyond leading workout classes. From creating inclusive fitness spaces to connecting her managerial experience with her Environmental Design studies, Kate shares her journey, insights, and advice for fellow Aggies.

Bringing the "Come As You Are" Philosophy to Life

For Kate, leading group exercise is about creating a welcoming space where everyone feels they belong.

"Group fitness is more than just coordinated exercise—it's building a community of people with different interests and backgrounds and bringing them together in a dynamic, inclusive, and encouraging way!"

In her role as a manager, Kate helps lead a team of instructors dedicated to upholding Campus Rec’s "Come As You Are” message. Helping participants build confidence in their fitness journey while managing a supportive team has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of her time at UC Davis.

The Rewarding Moments

When asked about the most rewarding part of her job, Kate describes the growth of the participants and the strength of her team. Seeing members get more comfortable, build skills, and gain confidence with each class makes all the effort worth it.

Six smiling students standing behind a campus info table on a grassy lawn at dusk.
Kate (second from right) represents the Living Well unit during Campus Rec's annual Rec Fest event.

One of Kate’s most memorable experiences was representing Living Well at Rec Fest, an annual, interactive Campus Recreation “open house” featuring games, giveaways, and opportunities to explore all of Campus Recreation’s programs.

"I loved tabling at Rec Fest with our other managers, instructors, and personal trainers, encouraging students to come try out Group Exercise, Personal Training, and all Living Well has to offer! I saw a lot of new students get really excited about our class offerings, and then seeing some of them register and actually participate this quarter was really cool."

Bridging Work and the Classroom

Kate’s leadership in Living Well has positively influenced her academic studies in Environmental Design. In her design courses, students regularly "pin-up" their work for class critiques to evaluate “what works and what doesn't”. Kate found that the feedback loop in her design classes directly related to her daily responsibilities in managing group exercise classes. Giving and receiving constructive feedback is an essential part of the role.

Developing communication skills has given Kate the confidence to collaborate effectively with peers, present ideas clearly, and navigate providing feedback in her academic work and the group exercise sphere.

Overcoming Challenges

Moving into a management role usually involves stepping outside one's comfort zone. Kate has learned to adapt to the changing needs of the program while serving as a reliable supervisor for her instructors.

Key skills Kate highlights for success in her role include:

  • Communication & problem solving: Working through daily schedules alongside pro staff, instructors, and participants
  • Task management: Balancing ongoing responsibilities while maintaining high-quality programming.
  • Adaptability: Embracing change and willingly stepping into new leadership challenges

Advice for New Student Staff

For Kate, being part of UC Davis Campus Recreation means working in a positive, wellness-driven environment surrounded by supportive coworkers—an experience that has prepared her for her future career. Her advice for any UC Davis student considering or starting a job on campus?

"Be confident in your abilities and get to know the people you work with!"

Interested in joining the UC Davis Campus Recreation team or taking a Group Exercise class? Visit the ARC or check out the Living Well offerings online!