Fitness Trainer Spotlight: Elly Baker
Image credit: Julia Slattery
“It’s everything from wellness to inspiration, to just feeling good in my body.”
If Elly Baker could describe fitness in just a few words, it would be those. Baker, a sophomore kinesiology and dance double major and a BodyPump trainer at The Geary F. Eppley Recreation Center, was introduced to fitness at a young age. Raised in Potomac, Maryland and placed in dance classes at just 2 years old, she grew up having a passion for fitness.
Image credit: Jackie Di Bartolomeo for The Campus Trainer
Her love for fitness continued throughout middle school, when she hit some difficult times.
“I was a competitive dancer so I always just wanted to do better, and I really wasn’t where I wanted to be,” said Baker. “Around middle school, I was pretty unhappy with my body image and how I was performing.”
However, despite these struggles, her love for fitness grew even deeper.
In high school, Baker began to work out, and gradually saw herself become stronger, faster and more fit. When she got to college, Baker naturally transitioned to working out at Eppley.
“I came to Eppley, and made a bunch of friends who workout with me, and that was such a good community for me,” said Baker.
Although Baker started working out at Eppley freshman year, she only began teaching BodyPump last semester.
At BodyPump, Baker takes control of the class in a positive way, with encouragements of, “I’m right there with you, I promise!” and “Show the world how strong you are!” Though her Tuesday classes are late at night, from 9:10 p.m. to 10:15 p.m., one would never know it from the excitement she infuses into the atmosphere, playing loud pump-up music and giving people high-fives after particularly challenging moves.
Image credit: Jackie Di Bartolomeo for The Campus Trainer
One senior, Sofia Fernandez, praised Baker’s empowering class.
“I come twice a week, and I really love it, because after the session my body is sore, but I get stronger and more confident,” said Fernandez.
Another student, senior Emily Gong, praised Baker’s excitement.
“She has a lot of energy for 9 o’clock at night!” said Gong.
Even when Baker isn’t teaching a class, she is still active in her fitness routine. Cardio is a big part of her solo workouts, but she also loves to do strength training in the weight room.
“I’m a big fan of leg day!” Baker said, excitedly.
Along with running and weights, Baker loves to train using the workouts that she teaches during her BodyPump class. She also doesn’t mind stepping into the student role once in a while.
“Sometimes I’ll take a fitness class. I really enjoy cycling,” said Baker.
Whether acting as a teacher, student or solo athlete, Baker is always ready to tackle her fitness goals.
Though Baker teaches three times a week at Eppley – and works out there even more – her social life doesn’t end with the gym. Outside of fitness, she is all about having close relationships with those around her.
Image credit: Jackie Di Bartolomeo for The Campus Trainer
“Hanging out with my friends is a big thing. They’re my family, and they make me happy. But I also like hiking and cooking, and if I have my friends doing that with me, that’s amazing,” Baker said.
If her friends could describe her in a few words, they would be “energetic, loyal and kind,” said Baker. “Maybe a little intense and overwhelming too, but that’s a good thing,” she laughed. “I have a lot of love to give!”
One thing Baker is passionate about is inspiring others. She attributes her love of fitness to the fact that it helps others find their self-worth and confidence.
“I like empowering other people, because I went through a really long time of not loving myself and not feeling empowered," said Baker. "But strength training and overall fitness really improved my well-being.”
