As New Years Day grows more distant, those pesky resolutions grow harder to keep. However, if your resolution involves losing those holiday pounds or getting back into shape, Carmichael Complex is making it easier by offering six new fitness classes.
The new classes specialize in everything from boot-camp style workouts to walking. The classes are open to all students and serve as an alternative to a typical gym workout.
“I think it’s a good idea to have new classes available,” Nicole Brewer, a junior in business, said. “A lot of my friends go to the classes, and it’s kind of inspirational to have an instructor pushing you to keep going. The classes also make it easier to stay and get a good work out for a full hour.”
Each class offers a different way to get a good work out.
“Army UFC” is taught by Army ROTC cadets, who incorporate the rigorous training and discipline of an army fitness program into a six-week fitness class. “Golf Conditioning,” taught by a personal trainer, gives personal instruction and techniques that will help increase skill and fitness.
Fitness instructor M.K. Wallace, a senior in textile and apparel management, is one of the instructors teaching “Wild Card,” which is a class that allows the instructor to choose the type of activity in which the class will participate that day.
“I like teaching step classes, so one day I might include step combos, with techniques and moves that allow each person to take their workout higher or lower. Another day I might do a high-energy cardio work out, then some strength training and abs, but another instructor might want to do just strength training, so it’s up to the instructor. Everyone has their own format,” Wallace said.
Natalie O’Farrell, assistant director of Campus Recreation, said that student concerns are taken into account when new classes are planned.
“When we put together a fitness class schedule, we try to find out what people want to gain from the classes,” O’Farrell said. “We do surveys, then, based on our numbers, we know what classes work and which are popular, like “Ab-solutions” and “Raise the Bar.”
If something seems to be missing, Campus Recreation will add a new class to the schedule, O’Farrell said.
Although the classes are geared to benefit both men and women, these new classes are specifically designed to make each participant comfortable in a work out setting – especially women looking for a less intimidating environment in which to exercise.
“Women on Weights” gives women the opportunity to lift weights and learn specific exercises to tone muscles, rather then bulk up. The class is only offered to females in an attempt to provide a comfortable, “non-threatening environment” where each participant can receive personal attention and instruction, according to the Campus Rec Web site.
“Walk It Out” takes participants outside of the gym to experience the walking trails around the campus. Not only does this class offer a great cardio work out, but serves as an alternative to an hour spent inside, on a treadmill.
“Spring Break-A-Sweat” is designed to give participants an intense cardio work out combined with strength training. The class is offered until Spring Break, and is geared toward getting the heart rate up and holiday pounds down.
“The new classes will be another good way to get yourself motivated to get out to the gym, and work out with other people,” Jennifer Evans, a junior in nutrition sciences said.
The newly added classes, along with those from previous semesters, begin today.
Editor’s note: The Jennifer Evans quoted in the story is not the same at the Jennifer Evans who authored it.
