For many students at Brigham Young University-Idaho, campus recreation events and fitness classes are a fun way to take a break from the stress of school. From powerlifting competitions to Zumba-thons, events may look effortless to participants, but a lot of work goes into making them happen behind the scenes.

Much of that work is led by Abbey Stratford, the student fitness advisor for campus recreation.

Stratford's journey to the role wasn't something she originally planned.

"I never thought this is where I would end up after I graduated," Stratford said.

As a student at BYUI, Stratford originally pursued a business major before realizing it wasn't the right fit. Looking for something different, she signed up for an aerobic fitness technique class, not knowing her career would eventually be shaped by it.

"I really didn't know what I was getting myself into," Stratford said. "But I signed up anyway and absolutely fell in love with it,"

She began working as a student fitness instructor in the winter semester of 2022, teaching dance and fitness classes. While dance fitness is no longer her favorite style, it became the starting point for her involvement in campus recreation.

Soon after, Stratford began to teach SURGE, a high-energy class that combines HIIT (high-intensity interval training) with music and weights. She taught the class from fall 2022 until graduating in fall 2024.

Along the way, Stratford also became deeply involved in the planning side of campus recreation events. Student leaders help organize a wide variety of activities, including color runs, triathlons, powerlifting competitions and themed events like Hawaiian luaus and Glow-n-Flows.

Eventually, Stratford became one of the lead students helping coordinate those events.

"I got to see it from a student perspective before, and then I learned so much beyond this end of things, which is completely different," Stratford said.

When her supervisor prepared to leave the position around the time Stratford graduated, she decided to apply for the role herself. Now, as the fitness advisor, she helps oversee the same programs she once participated in as a student.

Her responsibilities are wide-ranging. Stratford teaches eight fitness classes a week while also managing behind-the-scenes work that keeps the program running.

Half of her job focuses on teaching and training new instructors, while the other half involves event planning, office work and program coordination.

Day-to-day responsibilities can include anything from planning marketing strategies and analyzing participation numbers to preparing large-scale campus events. In some weeks, Stratford spends as many as 20-25 hours preparing for a single event, such as a powerlifting competition.

Work weeks can range anywhere from 45 to 60 hours, depending on the schedule of academic and event demands.

"It'll be worth it in the end," Stratford said. "You just have to power through and get all the communication done that needs to be."

Despite the workload, Stratford says the most rewarding part of the job is watching students grow.

One of her responsibilities is teaching a course that trains students to become fitness instructors. Many enter the class unsure if they are capable of leading a group.

"It's so fun to watch people come in - I was just like them - so shy, wondering, 'Can I do this?'" Stratford said. "And then they just blossom."

Although Stratford plays a key role in organizing events, she intentionally keeps the program student-led. She works closely with student leaders to help them prepare and succeed while allowing them to take ownership of the experience.

"I do a lot of the back-end work so they can go be the face of fitness on campus," Stratford said.

That philosophy carries over to campus events. Stratford attends every activity hosted by the program, but her goal is to stay in the background.

"My goal is to do nothing while I'm there," she said with a laugh. "Students should be prepared enough to do it alone by the time the event comes."

Still, she attends each event to support the students who helped organize it.

"I am at every event because I support them and I love what I do," Stratford said.

Accessibility is another key focus for Stratford. Campus recreation activities are free for students, allowing everyone to participate at whatever level they feel comfortable.

"You get to choose the level of participation," Stratford said. "You can teach the class, take the class, watch the class; it's so accessible. We have something for everyone."

Stratford also emphasizes the spiritual focus that shapes the campus recreation program.

"We take discipleship so seriously," she said. "We are really looking for 'the one.' How can we plan for the one? How can we reach the people who can benefit from what we're doing?"

The students can feel the difference on campus with the focus on the spirit.

"I transferred here after my mission, but it's such a different environment, and I love it," said Grace Buthen, a second-year floral design major. "I wish I would've come here sooner because it's just a more wholesome and fun environment at all of the campus events."

She often draws inspiration from the university's leadership principles and encourages students to share ideas for new events and programs.

"Any time someone has an idea, I'm more than happy to listen," Stratford said. "If we can make it happen, we're going to make it happen."

Much of the program's outreach happens through social media and word of mouth, including the campus Instagram account, as well as the IMLeagues platform, where students can sign up for classes and events.

For students interested in becoming instructors themselves, Stratford recommends enrolling in the instructor training course, ESS204, or reaching out to her directly.

"If anyone gets the chance to come work for BYU-Idaho, I totally recommend it," Stratford said. "The spirit here on campus is incredible, and the teamwork we have is awesome. It's such an incredible place to work."

From mentoring student instructors to organizing large events, Stratford continues to build the same program that once shaped her experience as a student. She's excited to continue helping others find opportunities to grow, move and connect through campus recreation.