As the weather gets warmer and the sun shines a little brighter, you might feel more energized and motivated. If you’re feeling a push to get some exercise but are not a fan of the typical gym environment, don’t be discouraged! There are plenty of fun classes and sessions offered through the Barnes Center at The Arch for everyone, from beginners to experienced gym rats.
Just Keep Spinning
Just Keep Spinning is a beginner-friendly spin class that targets strength and cardio in a single session. For the spring 2024 semester, classes are held Mondays from 11-11:50 a.m. and Wednesdays from 5-5:50 p.m. in the Flanagan Gym Cycle Studio. Registration for each class opens 24 hours before the session, and classes are completely free for students. Visit the Just Keep Spinning webpage for more information.
Aqua Body Strong
For all the water lovers out there, this unique class takes place on a floating yoga mat and uses both yoga and H.I.I.T. to provide a fun and intense workout. This class is taught at Sibley Pool in the Women’s Building on Thursdays from 5-5:50 p.m. during the spring 2024 semester. Students must be able to swim in order to take the class. Visit the class webpage for more information.
Hatha Yoga
In this relaxing and energy-centering class, you will target your physical and mental health through posture, breathing and meditation techniques. While Hatha means “force” in Sanskrit, it is typically taught at a slower pace than regular yoga. For the spring 2024 semester, sessions are held Tuesdays from 10-10:50 a.m., Wednesdays from 9-9:50 a.m., and Thursdays from 3-3:50 p.m. in 321 Barnes Center (Group Fitness Studio 3). Check out the Hatha Yoga page in the Wellness Portal for more information.
Zumba
This class is all about energy, and it’s a great way to work out your whole body while having a blast! It combines all elements of fitness—cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility, boosted energy and a serious dose of awesome each time you leave class. This semester, Zumba classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30-7:20 p.m. in the Flanagan Gym Exercise Room. Visit the Zumba webpage for more information and to register.
Boxing 101
Boxing is a great workout option for those who want to build muscle and improve cardiovascular health. If you’re interested in boxing but don’t know where to start, this class is perfect for you! Participants in this class are encouraged to bring hand wraps and boxing gloves to strike soft targets as they learn the basics of boxing. For the spring 2024 semester, class is held on Mondays from 4-4:50 p.m. and Wednesdays from 5-5:50 p.m. in the Flanagan Gym Exercise Room. Check out the Boxing 101 page in the Wellness Portal for more information.
We hope this list sparks your interest and provides some fitness motivation because when our bodies are happy, our minds are happy. No matter how experienced you are in the world of fitness, you will definitely walk away from these classes feeling amazing. Now go sign up!
Written By Madison Manczko ’24, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications