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New Year’s Eve has come and gone and so have many resolutions to get healthy.
For those who have already given up on their goal to exercise more, get back on track with the fitness classes held at the Recreation and Physical Activity Center.
The RPAC offers 28 different classes. From cycling to yoga, no body part is left behind.
Students can pay $45 for a quarter pass to any class and $5 for single sessions. Classes fill up quickly so students should arrive early, said Jenn Peters, fitness coordinator at the RPAC.
Fitness classes are beneficial for students who need a little push to get moving.
“Some people are just better at working out in groups,” Peters said, adding that the scheduled class time can help motivate students.
Some classes might seem mysterious. Therefore four classes – Total Abs, Bellydance Blast, H2O Challenge and Cardio Kickbox – are featured to find the truth behind the names.
ABS-olutely ready for spring breakTotal Abs is just what it seems – a 30-minute workout with a series of exercises that work the abdominal muscles, including crunches, planks and a sit-ups challenge at the beginning of every class, so class-goers can improve on their previous number.
Those attending can expect to be feeling the burn at the end of class.
“I enjoy challenging participants,” said Natalie Neyman, instructor, who believes it is important to incorporate different types of exercises that work the core.
Neyman said she also likes to add in challenging moves that allow participants to take each abs exercise to the next level because certain moves can be done four different ways, depending on how far participants want to push themselves.
Neyman said the key to sculpted abs is cardio and the correct breathing technique.
Sexy it upFor students looking to get a flat tummy and who also want to try something exotic, Bellydance Blast is a perfect fit. This enjoyable and slinky class is almost addictive with its Shakira-like moves and easygoing atmosphere. Students can expect to learn various moves that are sure to impress friends next time out at the club.
The instructor, Johara, said this head-to-toe workout is low-impact and noncompetitive unlike other fitness classes.
“It’s an entire body workout,” she said. She also said that belly dancing is “more of a celebration of being a woman.”
Johara said the key to belly dancing is practice. She said she is constantly reminding students that belly dancing is an art and it takes time and repetition to master.
Water aerobics sans old peopleAnother unique class involves moves in the water. H2O Challenge is a challenge but it is also a blast. Who does not like water?
Participants do a variety of moving exercises with dumbbells and noodles. The water resistance allows one to push his or her body as much or as little as they want, not to mention the constant movement is a great cardio choice. Instructor Katie Siros said this workout is great for those recovering from an injury.
“You don’t have the impact of a regular aerobics class,” Siros said. The buoyancy of the water makes this class surprisingly challenging. Arms and legs are the body parts most affected but the workout allows for abs exercises as well.
“It’s a lot of strength training and it builds muscle,” said Liz Spears, a senior who attends the class.
The class is also fun with a diverse population where people can interact, Siros said.
Kickin’ out the weightMoving from water to land, Cardio Kickbox is another full-body workout. The hour-long class consists of various exercises including squats, jumping jacks and boxing moves connected by movement. The class takes effort because it works the whole body.
“I got a good workout for cardio and abs and I was moving for an hour straight,” said Maria Miller, a freshman.
“It’s good especially if you’re just getting started,” said Rachel Webb, instructor of the Monday classes. She also said being surrounded by others motivates one to get moving.
Class times and other fun and challenging fitness programs can be found on the RPAC Web site.
Carolyn Cypret can be reached at [email protected].
