Student Spotlight: Michelle Leary Studies and Promotes Exercise as the Foundation for Health

Michelle Leary had an athletic upbringing, but when she discovered Pilates, it opened her eyes to the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of health. She began reading about nutrition and alternative therapies and soon enrolled in the exercise science and wellness program at Bastyr University. The program combines the study of exercise science with an introduction to holistic health.

Now in her second year at the University, Leary has learned much about all aspects of health, but her belief in exercise as the foundation of health has only strengthened. "Just about any health professional will tell you that exercise really is the best form of preventive medicine," she explains. "It really gives you a strong foundation, and a lot of people underrate it in terms of the major impact it can have on the body."

This opinion is based on more than her education. As a personal trainer for older adults in an independent living community, she's gained real-world insight into the benefits of regular exercise. "The residents are older and they have chronic health problems, so I modify all of my workouts for them. This work is amazing and very rewarding," she explains.

Leary will take the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) certification test in two weeks. She says many exercise science students take the test while studying at Bastyr. Although an undergraduate degree is not required to become certified as a personal trainer, "You can obtain a higher caliber job and earn more respect if you have a bachelor's degree in the field," Leary notes. "Plus it's good preparation for graduate school."

Graduate school is, in fact, among Leary's goals. Her considerations include attending school for naturopathic, osteopathic or chiropractic medicine, or pursuing a master's degree in nutrition or exercise physiology.

Regardless of the path she chooses, however, Leary says she's dedicated to helping others achieve health in all aspects life — body, mind and spirit.