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Laughter filled the �������� Wellness Institute and Research Center (WIRC) as students led their service-learning fitness class one recent morning, guiding older adults through movement with a mix of care, confidence and a little bit of improvisation.

One of the participants, Gail Nicula, shared why she shows up week after week: “It’s a good combination of workout for you, plus a group workout.” She added, “I like the oversight by an exercise physiologist.”

Judy Lazernick agreed with Nicula, noting she likes the smaller groups and the comfort of being with peers in a similar age range. When asked why she volunteered for the student-led class, she said, “I’m always willing to help out the students.”

The class was part of a new service-learning project in EXSC 428: Exercise Prescription for Chronic Disease, taught by Lisa Powell, Ed.D., lecturer in the School of Exercise Science — part of Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Ellmer College of Health Sciences at ��������. As Dr. Powell explained, “For the first time in this class offering, students had a service-learning project where they conducted a 30-minute exercise session at either the local Retirement Housing Facility or our WIRC program.”

Students created their own promotional materials. They coordinated with WIRC and the retirement facility. They advertised their class, registered participants and built a 30-minute exercise plan tailored to the needs of older adults living with chronic conditions. At the retirement community, seven participants attended the first student-led session. Nine came the next time. Residents enjoyed it so much they asked if the students would return the following month. Dr. Powell plans to bring another student group back in the spring.

Lizzie Wesson, an exercise science student who volunteers regularly at WIRC, already had a friendly rapport with many of the participants. That familiarity made it easier for her and exercise science classmate Sarita Smith to bring energy into the room — checking in often, adapting exercises on the fly and making the class feel personal. At one point, Lizzie smiled and said, “This is my favorite part of my day.”

For Lizzie, this project wasn’t just another assignment. She liked being the first group to try it and offering feedback to strengthen the course. And, because she plans to pursue graduate school, she wanted meaningful experience working with this population of adults now, rather than waiting until then.

This service-learning project is closely tied to work happening across Macon & Joan Brock Ellmer College of Health Sciences at ��������, where applied learning is woven into every program. Earlier in the semester, students in the wellness programming class, led by Kyle Davis, M.S., undergraduate program director for exercise science, completed fitness assessments at both WIRC and the retirement facility. They measured balance, aerobic fitness, strength, body composition and blood pressure, while educating participants on what their numbers mean and working with them to set fitness goals. Dr. Powell’s students then used those assessments, combined with their coursework on chronic disease and American College of Sports Medicine exercise prescription guidelines, to design classes that meet people where they are.

Halle Fago, a student who completed both the wellness programming assessments in Davis’ class and the service-learning project in Dr. Powell’s course, said the experience helped her understand how the two pieces of the project fit together. Meeting residents, during the health screenings, shaped her approach to the exercise session and helped her design activities that felt accessible to everyone.

“The health screenings with the fantastic residents at Village Pointe and Village Gardens also helped me tremendously to design the class appropriately so everyone could participate,” Halle said.

Several students in the course plan to pursue physical therapy. Others want to work in athletic training. Some hope to stay connected with the facilities long after the semester ends. The project gives them something every aspiring health professional needs: practice with humans.

WIRC’s mission has always been to enhance the health and wellness of adults in Hampton Roads through education, community wellness programs and research. Partnering with students amplifies that mission by providing the community with greater access to movement and positioning students to learn what compassionate, evidence-based care really looks like.

For Dr. Powell, watching her students rise to the moment has been a highlight of the semester. For the participants, it’s a chance to stay active in a space that feels welcoming and personal. And, for Macon & Joan Brock Ellmer College of Health Sciences at ��������, it’s another example of how applied learning, compassion and community connection move people forward.