Fitness classes are now being offered at IU Southeast to students, faculty and staff.
The classes are free to everyone who attends, and will be conducted throughout the fall semester.
Classes are offered Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays during every week of classes this semester.
Students can also choose from a variety of classes, including Core Fusion, Turbo Kick, Yoga and Zumba.
While money for the classes is not coming directly from the Student Activity Fee, it is a group effort from the campus for the students.
“The funds are colaboration between the Athletic Department, Campus Life, Student Program Council, Residence Life and Housing and the office of Student Affairs,” Joe Glover, director of Athletics, said.
This is the first semester the classes have been offered with a set location and time.
“We listened to the students need for them,” Glover said. “They will help students stay active and live a healthy lifestyle.”
Danielle Burns, Spanish junior, said she is interested in the free classes.
“The classes are a great opportunity for students who cannot afford a gym membership and want to attend an organized aerobics class,” Burns said. “I’m looking forward to trying out the Yoga class.”
The instructors for Core Fusion, Turbo Kick and Zumba are from the YMCA.
Sharon Watkins, part-time instructor at the YMCA, teaches the Zumba classes on Wednesday nights.
“The fitness classes are a good way to relieve stress, be active and healthy,” Watkins said.
Watkins has been teaching group fitness classes at the YMCA for 15 years and Zumba for a little more than three years.
While Zumba classes have included roughly 20 attendees, Watkins said she thinks the numbers will rise.
“Last semester, Zumba was very popular, and as the semester goes on I think more people will bring their friends, and we’ll have an even better turnout,” Watkins said.
Burns said her interest increased when she learned most of the instructors were from the YMCA.
“Just knowing the instructors do this for a living is very persuadable, and I feel as if the classes are worth attending because the leaders are skilled professionals — it makes it more official,” Burns said.
By CLARE BOWYER
Staff
clbowyer@ius.edu