Bonnie Faitak is the assistant director for programs in the UAMS Office of Community and Health Research for Healthy Food Systems on the UAMS Northwest Regional Campus.
Tell us a little about you and how long you have been at UAMS.
I’ve been at the UAMS Northwest Regional Campus for two years and three months. I’m an assistant director in the Office of Community Health and Research for HealthyFood Systems. Our teams works to improve access to healthy food through schools, food pantries and community meal programs in Arkansas and around the country.
Northwest just got a new fitness facility, how are you all liking it?
I love the new fitness options at the campus. It is great to be able to go for a walk in the middle of the day or after work right in the building. I’ve gone for a walk on the treadmill on a rainy day when I couldn’t go outside.
Yoga has been a huge hit as well. How do you feel it benefits you?
I LOVE the yoga classes. They’re a great way to reset your day and clear your mind. We work very hard on our programs and sometimes a break at lunch really helps clarify ideas so I can go back to my office refreshed and ready to get back to work. After work it is a great way to really end the day, too. I go home calmer and more relaxed than when I just leave the office and go straight home.
What has been the most challenging to you in the yoga class?
I’m always challenged in crow pose, that is my goal pose.
Would you recommend the fitness center and yoga at the Northwest Campus?
I’d absolutely recommend the fitness center and yoga at the Northwest Campus. We are so lucky to have these classes and a space to work out. I also love the opportunity to interact with people from different departments across campus. I think these facilities and classes have really improved team morale and brought more fun to the workday.
What sort of activities do you and your family do to stay active?
I have a 5-year-old son and he loves to hike! As a family we take hikes, especially ones with waterfalls and streams. We love the water! We like to vacation at the beach to swim and snorkel.