How many of you lack motivation to go to the gym? Each week you think you want to work out and get healthy, yet time and time again you lay in bed instead of getting exercise.
I am guilty of this as well. I struggled to find any reason to go to the gym during my first semester here. This semester, however, I finally pushed myself to try some of the Campus Rec Classes.
Each semester Campus Rec holds a one-week trial period of classes where you can go for free. This is a great time to explore the classes and find where to fit into your experience and what you want to get better at.
The first class I wanted to try was strength training for beginners. I have always wanted to be stronger so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity. I also decided to go with a friend because having someone else with you can hold you accountable for going to the class. Without my friend, I most likely would not go every week.
Strength training for beginners is every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. and the instructor’s name is Kaleb Rankin, a fourth-year Exercise Science major.
He believes the class is meant to “Help people understand how important exercise is for physical and mental health,” he said, “it is also an open space where people can ask for help or get involved with exercise.”
During the class, you go through two sets and do two repetitions of each. The first one is typically easier, and the second one can be challenging and pushes you.
Typically, equipment used is a mat, dumbbells, weights, weighted bar, Bosu ball, and more. The class also does various exercises from working your core to biceps to hamstrings. Kaleb increases weight used each week and helps you slowly build up your strength.
Strength training also protects your joints from injuries and maintains flexibility and balance. Furthermore, going to classes can push you further than you may on your own. At least for me, I struggle to push myself past my limits because as soon as I am at my limit I give up.
I have also learned proper form and how to exercise without hurting myself.
Another person in the class Reecie Nerenberg-Meeker, a Graphic Design freshman described it as “a class that pushes you to your limits, but not to the point of hurting yourself. It also helps boost your confidence when people start noticing you gain muscle mass.”
How much do this class and other classes cost? For class membership it a one-time payment of $25 per semester. This is cheap compared to classes at other gyms off-campus. In addition, the $25 gets you a pass to any class Campus Rec offers from spin to yoga. What are you waiting for? Grab your water bottle and shoes and head out to the Ryder to check this class out!
