aaron jaggers

The pandemic was a difficult time for many, but it also sparked lots of opportunities. Sophomore Aaron Jaggers took the pandemic as an opportunity and decided to start building his own gym.

“Because of the pandemic, no one could ever drive me to the gym, and most of them were closed,” Jaggers said.

Since the start of the pandemic, the gym has expanded.

“I wanted enough equipment to replicate a real gym, even though I couldn’t go to one,” Jaggers said. “Home gyms are just super easy to go downstairs and lift.”

Lifting weights hasn’t only helped his day-to-day habits, but also improved his physical health.

“I was super skinny and lifting made me want to work on my physical appearance,” Jaggers said.

In addition, lifting weights has altered Jaggers’ diet.

“Since I started lifting weights, I eat more and most of my meals are a protein shake in the mornings,” Jaggers said. “Then, at lunch, I’ll eat some pasta. I’ll eat random food at night and snacks thrown in there. A majority of the recipes for my meals came from Josh Cortis on Youtube and other research.”

Lifting has caused changes, not only in his physical ability but also his mental.

“Lifting has given me more confidence than I ever had, especially in public situations,” Jaggers said.

Jaggers believes lifting is a welcoming sport for all.

“I think lifting as a sport has no barriers and anyone can just start if they really wanted to,” Jaggers said.