Fitness in Florence: Spotlight on Joseph Kraus

by Una Soliday

Student worker, determined studier, and fitness fanatic, Joseph Kraus is an extremely active member in his Florence community. He works at the Marist Italy offices as a part of the Student Wellness team and often conducts events such as the new “Wednesday Wellness Walks” and Soccer Club on Sundays. This semester, his favorite class is The Science of Food, Health, and Wellbeing in which he learns all about the importance of balanced eating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

I interviewed Joseph to ask about the ways he gets active in Florence, how it was adjusting to the Italian fitness style, and what he would recommend for those struggling with finding ways to keep fit while studying abroad. Here are some of his thoughts:

Tell us about the new Physical Wellness team of student workers. What do you do?

“There’s two of us on the Physical Wellness team, myself and Andrew Hosmer. We work to organize activities to help students get active. We have yoga sessions, hikes, and Wellness Walks every Wednesday. I also run my soccer club on Sundays. Lastly, we find out about fitness activities around Florence and share that information with the students. For example, we had a group of students as well as Marist faculty participate in Corri La Vita, a huge, amazing charity marathon in Florence, earlier this semester.”

Why do you like to exercise, and what’s your favorite way to get active in Florence?

“I like to exercise because I believe that physical and mental health work together. They’re yin and yang. You can’t have one without the other. They keep each other in balance. The more I focus on my physical health, the more mental clarity I get in classes. It’s easier to focus. Also, if I find myself getting wrapped up in my school work, I head to the gym for a break. It makes me feel productive even though I’m taking a break from school. I go to Florence Fitness and I try to get there as often as I can.”

Are there any fitness activities you’re looking forward to trying as you study abroad? 

“Actually, yeah! I was just talking today with a friend I might go to Switzerland with. I’m from Colorado so I grew up skiing and it’s my dream to ski in Switzerland. It’s so cool that I might finally be able to do that, all because I’m studying in Florence. Also, I used to surf when I was younger in California with my dad. I started to get back into that before I left to come here, so I’m hoping that I get an opportunity to surf in Italy when the weather gets warmer.”

How was it adjusting to fitness abroad? Did you have to change anything about your routine?

“Yeah it’s pretty different here in Italy. The gyms are much smaller and more crammed. There’s less overall equipment and free space. At least, that’s what it’s like at my gym. It’s a popular gym so it’s usually crowded. I don’t mind that much though, I keep my head down and listen to music. I avoid the crowded machines and focus on what’s available to me. The hours are pretty weird, too. On weekends, the gym closes early. And the last thing I would say would be that it’s more expensive. I use Marist’s Wellness Grant, though, and the price evens out a little.”

What would you recommend for students wanting to get into fitness?

“I would recommend starting with running. It can be frustrating with all the tourists in the middle of the day. And hot, too. So early in the morning is the best time to run. I usually run without a plan or a map so I can explore. There are, though, many parks around Florence that would be great for running. It’s all about finding what works for you. Sometimes I run along the river too, for the view.”

What’s your best advice to someone wanting to keep healthy in Italy, no matter their fitness level?

“Working out doesn’t have to be more than a hobby, but a more intense workout regime is still definitely possible in Florence. For those who prefer a gentler approach to fitness, or those just starting out, we host wellness walks inspired by the laid back Italian lifestyle every Wednesday. We also do yoga and soccer club, both of which can be taken as seriously or recreationally as you desire. The bottom line is that what you put into physical activity is what you get out.”

Lastly, have you noticed anything interesting about Italian fitness? Maybe there was something you didn’t expect when you came here?

“Yeah I’ve definitely noticed that Italians don’t really ‘work out’ the way Americans do. Over here they focus on eating better instead of weight-lifting. That’s why you might get looked at a little funny if you go on runs, since that’s more unusual here. Italian’s also walk everywhere, especially in the city, so they stay fit that way too. The intensity of working out that is normal in the U.S. doesn’t fit into the Italian lifestyle.”