Sophmore Alison Dunford teaches a cardio kick-boxing class in the Rec Center. (CU Independent/Lee Pruit)
Joining a fitness class at the Rec Center is a great way to get involved and avoid the dreaded freshman fifteen.
However, many students are not taking advantage of all the Rec Center has to offer.
“I haven’t tried any classes, because I’m kind of intimidated by a class setting,” said Cory MacDonald, 19, a sophomore film studies major.
Some Rec Center employees said that a lack of publicity is the problem.
“I think if more people knew about the class options, we’d have more people join,” said Karen Sleeper, 19, a sophomore open-option major and CU Rec Center employee.
MacDonald said he agrees with Sleeper’s statement.
”I think if the classes were advertised with a more personal intention, such as quotes from past students, that people could better picture themselves taking a class,” MacDonald said.
The Rec Center and Bear Creek facilities offer a myriad of fitness classes including yoga, dance classes, martial arts, cycling, swimming and aerobics.
“It’s nice to have a class where the instructor tells you how to do everything,” said Julia Goldsmith, 19, a sophomore pre-communications major. “It’s a great way to de-stress after a day of classes and homework.”
Goldsmith attends multiple classes each week.
“I have a fit pass that allows me to attend unlimited aerobics classes all semester,” Goldsmith said.
Fit passes can be purchased for $85.00, and are especially convenient for students who like mixing up classes and trying new workouts.
“I think the price is a steal! I go to several classes a week and have already noticed a difference in my physical fitness,” Goldsmith said. “If you are willing to show up, I’m sure you will be pleased with the results.”
In addition to signing up for individual classes, students also have the CU Cycle Pass plus an aerobics package option, which includes unlimited cycle burn and aerobics classes for $105.00 per semester.
Drop-in classes are also available for $3.00 each.
“So far, I’ve been to ‘on the ball’, ‘gut and butt’, and ‘cardio kickboxing,’” Goldsmith said. “The instructors are all very friendly and excited to be there, making the class enjoyable.”
According to Sleeper, some classes are fairing better than others.
“Our Yoga classes are the most popular and our new class this semester, Zumba, is doing really well.” Sleeper said.
Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance fitness class that incorporates Latin and International music with dance movement, according to the CU Rec Center website.
“You never know until you try it,” Sleeper said. “It’s an amazing opportunity that shouldn’t be overlooked.”
Students can still sign up for fitness classes, and mid-semester classes can be purchased for half-price on October 19th.
For more information on individual classes and prices, visit the Rec online at: www.colorado.edu/rec-center.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Kendall Schoemann at Kendall.Schoemann@colorado.edu.
