Helping Others Through Movement

For Katherine Bublitz ’22, a bonding activity with a sibling turned into an opportunity to impact people’s lives.

The middle of three sisters, Bublitz followed in her sisters’ footsteps, trying team sports like soccer. Realizing the activity might not be for her, she forged her path — finding a passion for dancing.  She immersed herself in ballet throughout her childhood, joining a pre-professional ballet company near her Charlotte, N.C. home, spending most of her free time at the dance studio.

Joining her older sister at NC State, the two began to visit Carmichael Gym to bond and see each other during the week, taking BodyPump™ among the many group fitness offerings.

“I thought, ‘Wow, these are so fun, I want to get involved,'” said Bublitz.

Finding parallels to her experience with dance, Katherine was drawn to group fitness because of the technical nature and choreography-based workouts. Eventually becoming a regular participant, an instructor urged her to take the weekend-long Les Mills® certification, which would allow her to teach classes.

Encouraged by her friends and family, Katherine took the course and was certified. After a training period, Katherine taught her first BodyPump™ class—with her sister in attendance. Shaking off the nerves of teaching, she finished the class to the cheers of the participants, giving her a new purpose to her NC State experience.

“After the class, I just felt 100 percent validated. This is what I’m meant to be doing in college,” she said.

Looking back on her experience as a first-year student, giving back to new participants and building a community of individuals looking to better themselves motivates Katherine even more.

“There’s just such a positive energy around group fitness classes,” said Bublitz. “I want to be able to create that experience for other people.”

This spring, Katherine was the recipient of the Wellness and Recreation Friends and Family Student-Employee Scholarship. Presented at the 2021 Wolfies student-employee end-of-year celebration, the scholarship gives financial assistance to two undergraduate student employees who uphold the mission statement, encourage and inspire the Wolfpack community to live active and well and serve as a role model for healthy and balanced living. 

“Being recognized made me proud to be part of such a great campus organization,” she said. “It was a very special moment for me.”

A business administration major, Bublitz plans to work in corporate finance, securing an internship with Bank of America this summer.