More than just a gym
illustration by Maria Rondon
U of O offers a variety of exercise classes
IT IS HARD enough for university students to try to find balance in life, let alone to find motivation to go to the gym and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Students often discover that working out on their own can be tedious and dull—hence the creation of group exercise classes.
Aerobics offer a fun and encouraging atmosphere and instructors ready and willing to push you to work to your full potential. Fortunately, Sports Services offers a variety of exercise classes for people at all fitness levels that are available to University of Ottawa students at no extra cost. All that is required from you is to arrive at the gym 20–30 minutes before the class, grab a ticket from the front desk, and be ready to sweat it out. The classes are able to cater to all fitness goals, whether they be various intensities of cardiovascular training, yoga exercises, or muscle conditioning and body toning.
The first of the two cardio classes offered is Cardiosweat, where the instructor guides the participants through an intense cardiovascular workout of both high and low impact moves, usually finishing with an abdominal section. The second cardio class offered is Tae Cardio, which is meant to tone muscle while working at a high cardiovascular level. Further intensifying this workout is Tae Step—an advanced version of Tae Cardio that increases the level of the step using higher-impact movements, as exercises are completed by moving on and off the equipment, adding to the intensity.
If Tae Step sounds too demanding or intense, there are also ordinary Step classes (both regular and advanced), that can challenge your cardiovascular levels as well as your coordination.
If toning is your goal, go to Total Body Conditioning (TBC). The instructor leads a total body workout of intense muscular exercises using a wide range of equipment, including hand weights, body bars, and exercise balls. TBC provides a shock to your muscles with new and intense exercises, rather than the repetitive bicep curl you’ve been doing for the past five months. And to spice things up, there is an All Ball class, which uses an exercise ball for muscular exercises that increase stability and balance while conditioning your core.
Finally, if your goal encompasses all fitness aspects, combination classes are offered as well. The physically exhausting program that is Bootcamp is an advanced fitness class guaranteed to have your body feeling the intensity of the workout for days afterwards. The instructor creates a series of drill sets mixed with intense cardio and interval training. The muscular focus of the class alternates on a weekly basis from legs to arms, so be sure to continue attending the class to maintain a balanced body. If Bootcamp is too intimidating, there is also Everything In One, which includes intense cardio bursts accompanied by muscular resistance training, but at a slightly lower level than the Bootcamp class.
And of course, if you need to unwind, there is Yogafit, which is suitable for all fitness levels, ensuring a relaxed and energized body via smooth and calming movements.
The variety of classes offered on campus certainly cover all aspects of fitness and are suitable for all fitness goals. Aerobics provide a fun and interactive atmosphere, allowing your workout to fly by without noticing—except for your fatigued body. Attending a group exercise class allows you to meet people, have fun, and work out—how could you resist?
For the complete schedule and location of group fitness classes offered at the U of O, consult a schedule at the gym or view it online under “schedules” at geegees.ca.
