Hello everyone!  Meet Isabel Peng our March member spotlight, and one of our awesome members.  Get to know Isabel a little better as she talks about her interests and experience.  

Tell us a little about yourself and how you are affiliated with Caltech.
I'm originally from Vancouver, Canada, and made my way to California for my master's in social work at USC. I've been part of the Caltech community since 2019, working in student affairs where I lead new student transition programs and support the first-year experience. My role allows me to guide students as they navigate their transition into Caltech and throughout their first year, work that I genuinely love and find rewarding.

 
How long have you been coming to the Caltech gym?
I've been coming to the Caltech gym for several years now. When the gym reopened during COVID, it became one of the things I looked forward to, especially at a time when many other activities were still limited. Since then, it's remained a regular part of my routine, and I continue to appreciate how accessible it is and everything it has to offer.

 
What is your favorite form of exercise or movement?
I enjoy a mix of cardio and strength training, with the StairMaster being a particular favorite as it's always a guaranteed heart rate booster. I'm also a big fan of the group fitness classes— shout out to the amazing instructors Asmaa, Laura, and Kevin! The classes are the perfect balance between fun and challenging, and there's always something new to look forward to each week. Outside the gym, I also like using the tennis courts for pickleball games with friends.

 
Why is maintaining an active lifestyle important to you, and how has it impacted your life?
Staying active is essential for both my mental and physical health. Getting to the gym is often the hardest part, but once I'm there, I never regret it. Maintaining an active lifestyle helps me manage stress, build strength, and make sure I get my steps in!

 
Why do you like the Caltech gym, and what's your favorite part about the Caltech community?
The Caltech gym has everything I'm looking for -- it's convenient, welcoming, and easy to make part of my routine. The staff at the front desk are always friendly, and I enjoy running into students and colleagues for quick hellos (and the occasional mid-workout catch up). I especially appreciate bumping into graduate students, since I used to be a live-in residential staff member in the Catalinas. Those small, informal moments are what I love most about Caltech's close-knit community.