Submitted Photo Reegan Floyd, right, and Abygayle Lohse, left, traveled to Mexico with Terry Eckmann, Minot State University professor, to teach group exercise classes and assist in yoga instruction. Photo from MSU Communications.

Editor’s Note: Abygayle Lohse is working on her master’s degree at Minot State. Reegan Floyd is in graduate school at Central Methodist University in Missouri.

For one vibrant week last October, two Minot State University students brought sweat, smiles, strength, and spirit to the beaches of Cancun and came back with something even more powerful.

From Oct. 13-20, 2024, Reegan Floyd and Abygayle Lohse, both MSU Class of 2025 graduates, traveled to Mexico’s Breathless Cancun Soul Resort and Spa, where they taught group exercise classes and assisted in yoga instruction alongside longtime Minot State professor Terry Eckmann. As part of the resort’s entertainment team, the trio offered high-energy HIIT and yoga sessions to guests from around the world, building skills and self-assurance in the process.

“This was my first time leaving the country,” said Floyd, a corporate fitness and wellness management major with concentrations in management, strength and conditioning, deaf studies and American Sign Language. “At first, I was nervous. But being there, I realized I can do this. I’m well-trained, I’ve got the skills, and this experience really built my confidence.”

Eckmann, who has led students abroad for nearly a decade to destinations like Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Thailand, said the program is unique.

“We’re the only university the company works with,” said Eckmann. “I look for students with high energy, who are good with people and responsible — basically, star students. Reegan and Abygayle made Minot State proud.”

The duo led daily group classes, many centered around high-intensity interval training, and took turns modeling and instructing yoga on the resort’s scenic beachfront. But the journey wasn’t without its challenges or laughs.

“The first yoga class we did was outside,” Floyd said, laughing. “Mats were flying, socks blowing. It wasn’t as relaxing as you’d think. I started modeling, but it quickly turned into human fetch.”

Lohse, a finance and corporate fitness and wellness management double major, recalled a shaky start with attendance that turned into packed sessions by week’s end.

“It took a couple days to build a good crowd,” Lohse said. “We started with a couple of people, and by the end, we had nearly 10-15 consistently. One guest came for yoga but accidentally showed up to our cardio class, loved it, and came to every session after.

“It was a turning point,” she said.

Eckmann said this kind of hands-on experience not only fulfills practicum hours but also opens students’ eyes to global opportunities in wellness.

“There are wellness resorts, cruise ship positions, spa jobs, and this shows students the fitness industry has more paths than they realize,” she said. “And it’s one of those memorable college moments that sticks with you.”

The students weren’t just exercising muscles; they were flexing creativity, too. While at the resort, they met artist Marco Santini, known for his colorful murals and mission to paint a school in every U.S. state.

“He asked us to share one word that describes ‘living in color,'” Floyd said. “I said ‘exciting.’ Abygayle said, ‘Joy.’ Then we explained why, and it became part of the mural. It was such a cool moment.”

Though the pair initially missed previous chances to travel with Eckmann due to their commitments to MSU softball, they were determined to make it happen last fall.

“She asked us,” Floyd said. “We finally just said, ‘No excuses, we’re doing it.’ And it was so worth it.”

For Lohse, the trip became more than a practicum — it was a turning point in how she views opportunity.

“I was on the fence about a chance to play softball in Germany this summer,” she said. “But after this, I decided I’m going. We have our whole lives to work. Take the chances now.”

Both students said that beyond the practical experience, it was Eckmann’s energy that fueled their growth.

“She radiates this contagious spirit, learn, teach, grow,” Floyd said. “She shows us it’s possible to live a life full of passion and movement.”

For students who started the week timidly waving down beachgoers to join their class, the transformation was unmistakable.

“By the last day,” Floyd said, “we were pulling people in like, ‘Come on, you’ve got to try this!’ We just thought, what do we have to lose?”

And with that, they gained a newfound belief in themselves, something no passport stamp could capture.