Building Confidence, One Rep at a Time

Michael Chreiman (BS ’25) ran a University-wide personal training program for students during his final semester at Pitt

When University of Pittsburgh student Patrick Tuinstra was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes last spring, a nutritionist at Pitt’s student health services gave him a recommendation that changed his college experience: to participate in the Exercise is Medicine On Campus (EIM-OC) program, housed within the Pitt School of Education.

The program’s recently departed intern, Michael Chreiman, soon became Tuinstra’s biggest cheerleader.

“He is easily the nicest person I’ve met at Pitt in my entire experience so far,” Tuinstra, a second-year student exploring urban planning, said of Chreiman. “As long as you’re committed, he’s 100% committed to you.”

Personalized Support

Chreiman graduated from the School of Education in December 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science after spending the fall semester as the driving force behind Pitt’s EIM-OC, part of a network of schools coordinated by the American College of Sports Medicine.

Assistant Professor of Practice Zack Wilson serves as faculty advisor, and partnered with  Student Health Services, Campus Recreation, and the Counseling Center to acquire student referrals. Over the fall semester, Chreiman provided personalized training to 13 students, with four more referrals lined up to begin in spring 2026.

“Mike was thrown into a very important role early on, and he never blinked an eye,” Wilson said. “He did so much foundational work for this program to grow and be successful.”

For many Pitt students, starting off at the gym can be an intimidating place.

Jorge Olavarria, a first-year PhD student studying civil engineering, knew he needed to exercise to recover from a knee injury but the prospect of navigating a gym alone felt daunting.

That’s where Chreiman came in to offer him support.

“The machines are weird. You don’t know how to use them properly,” Olavarria explained. “This program solves all of that. You get a pal that comes with you, that teaches you how to use the proper equipment, how many reps you need to do. It’s exactly what you need to get started.”

The EIM-OC program’s three-month structure is designed to build independence.

Each program is personalized to student needs: a typical program involves students meeting with Chreiman twice weekly during the first month, then transitioning to once weekly sessions in the second month, before working out independently in the third month while still receiving programmed workouts, support, and threshold testing.

‘Consistency over Progression’

Each participant begins with a comprehensive fitness assessment measuring cardio endurance, strength, flexibility, blood pressure, and other baseline metrics.

Chreiman then created individualized programs incorporating dumbbells, machines, and/or bodyweight exercises, focusing on push, pull, leg, and core movements tailored to each student’s goals.

“I valued consistency over progression,” Chreiman said of his coaching philosophy. “If they show up, that’s a win. If they get one more rep, or if they don’t feel as tired after a cardio session, that’s a win. It’s the little things that matter.”

That approach resonated deeply with Tuinstra, who found the program gave him not just exercise knowledge but also accountability.

“My biggest thing is, it’s hard to be your own accountability partner,” Tuinstra said. “I’m a lot more comfortable being in the gym full of people than I was before.”

For Olavarria, who was an active soccer player before his injury, the program helped him rediscover confidence in his body’s abilities.

“I was really hesitant to do things after the surgery. I didn’t know I was capable of what I’ve done,” he said. “Now I realize I can do that and much more. I’m now jogging with no problem, lifting weights and stuff.”

Wilson emphasized the EIM-OC program’s mission to reach students who might otherwise struggle.

“We target the students who need help, and when we break down a couple barriers and establish new healthy goals with our clients, their appreciation for exercise really starts to show,” he said.

The program’s impact extends beyond physical fitness.

Olavarria noted the social aspect transformed exercise from a chore into something he looked forward to.

“It was something I was waiting the whole day for,” he said. “That’s not something that was common for me.”

A network of expertise

Wilson added that the connections Chreiman built with students were central to the program’s success.

“It was evident that he was getting as much joy as they were.Their success was his success,” Wilson said. “He always talked so highly about his connections with his clients and that will forever be life changing for both of them.”

Chreiman credits his School of Education coursework, particularly Anne Hayes‘ strength and conditioning class and Carma Sprowls-Repcheck’s fitness prescription course, with preparing him for the role. He also relied heavily on what he calls “Dr. Wilson’s exercise Bible,” a 70-page document with contributions by Wilson in partnership with the University Club Fitness Center filled with exercises and cues that served as a programming resource.

In addition to the one-on-one training, EIM-OC also offered group classes for students and faculty, including running clubs, Pilates, and high-intensity workouts.

‘This could help a lot of people’

As Chreiman moves on, two new interns will continue the program’s momentum, splitting responsibilities for current and incoming participants.

“Seeing their improvements gives me confidence in my ability as a coach,” Chreiman reflected.Wilson believes the impact will be lasting for everyone involved.

“The students loved Mike. They will never forget what he did for them, and Mike will never forget how rewarding it was to see everything he learned in class come to life and make an everlasting impact.”

For Tuinstra and Olavarria, that confidence-building was mutual. Both plan to continue their fitness journeys independently, now armed with the knowledge, skills, and self-assurance the program provided.

“It’s a great program, and I wish they get more people,” Olavarria said. “The new rec center plus this could help a lot of people.”

Students interested in the Exercise is Medicine On Campus program can inquire by contacting EIMPITT@pitt.edu.