Jalan McCaskill

Connect What fuels your passion for health and fitness?

I enjoy pushing my limits every time I’m in the gym. Each year, I set a goal to improve a specific part of my body, and that focus drives my training and keeps me disciplined. The gym community motivates me as well. Everyone is there to better themselves, which creates an inspiring environment. Seeing my own growth day by day, alongside others who consistently show up, reminds me that progress comes from effort, consistency, and commitment.

What’s your favorite way to train or stay fit?

I love going for 5 mile runs to keep my cardio up and when I’m not feeling too inspired, I jumprope for 20 minutes. In the gym I always hit free weights at the beginning or the end to keep a nice arm pump. I feel like alternating cardio and weightlifting allows me to keep a good balance and physique that few people are able to achieve.

What would you do with $20,000?

I would use the money to focus fully on finishing school without the constant stress of working to pay for housing and food. This past year, balancing a job, academics, and training has been difficult, often forcing me to sacrifice my physical health or my grades to make ends meet. Removing that financial pressure would allow me to train consistently, stay academically focused, and work toward becoming the best version of myself.