Faculty Profile: Frank Sanchez takes Fitness Courses Online

Categories: Students   Faculty  

April 6, 2020 - For UNM-Gallup instructor Frank Sanchez, the recent shift to remote-only instruction due to the COVID-19 pandemic was not only surprising but also created a sense of urgency to deliver his courses with the same quality students expect. “I was not as concerned about delivery as I was about quality,” explains Sanchez, who serves as an adjunct professor in the PE department, teaching Jiu-Jitsu, military fitness, defensive tactics, and weight training. “I want my students to continue to get the benefits of their training.”

To stay connected and deliver his courses, Sanchez utilizes his YouTube channel as a reference and course-learning tool, and has adapted exercise videos for students in his classes. “I am using two formats. A summary format, where I explain and briefly demonstrate the workout—and then turn the students loose to complete their own. Additionally, I have created some full-length formats that the students can do with me,” Sanchez adds.

Student feedback is important to adapt workouts to meet their needs. To facilitate this, Sanchez says that he asks for feedback from students regarding the workouts and which format they prefer. And, as those responses come in, he creates new workouts. “I also try to share information through handouts. I have done a couple of audio and whiteboard lectures as well—no more than 10 minutes to outline the information in the handouts,” he explained.

While students are learning remotely, Sanchez believes that it is critical for students to stay active during this time. He adds: “I know how easy it is to just plop down in front of the TV or sleep the day away. Students have made great progress establishing a fitness lifestyle, and I hope to encourage them to keep it up.”

To view available workouts, subscribe to Frank’s YouTube channel.