Summer shape up

Students looking to stay in shape while avoiding the summer swelter can take refuge in the airconditioned

fitness classes offered on campus.

 

Throughout this summer, group fitness classes and instructional programs will be offered at the Marshall Recreation Center. Summer programs allow increased individual interaction with instructors, said Rachael Sofie, a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. "They're definitely more one-on-one and the instructors are there to push you," Sofie said.

 

Group fitness classes are free, and instructional programs are offered at a reduced rate for members of the Recreation Center. Undergraduate students with 12 or more summer credit hours and graduate students with nine or more summer credit hours are automatically paid members of the Recreation Center. For part-time summer students, the cost of membership is $85.50 per session, minus the fees already paid as a part of summer tuition.

 

For Marshall students enrolled in summer courses, fitness classes have benefi ts beyond physical health, according to Mo Khan, fitness specialist, personal trainer and substitute teacher for group fitness classes. "Summer courses are stressful," Khan said. "Exercising is a great way to reduce that stress."

 

Instructional programs require enrollment, usually within the first week of the class. The programs range from yoga to CUT, a 30-minute cross training program. "CUT is offered during the lunch hour. It's a high intensity workout in a half hour, so it's great for people who don't have a lot of time," Sofie said. 

 

Although the programs cost $25 to $40 for members and $40 to $65 for non-members, anyone interested can try one class for free. The free group fi tness classes offered by the Recreation Center include spinning classes and body

sculpting. Members can attend individual class sessions and do so without signing up in advance.

 

"With the classes we have, we definitely offer great variety," Sofie said.

 

Khan said he thinks the Recreation Center offers something different for those who don't want to or can't exercise outdoors. "If you're not able to run outside, taking one of our classes is a great alternative," said Khan. "Plus, it gives people the opportunity to stay away from the humidity or bad weather."

 

Those interested in the summer classes available at the Recreation Center can go to the centers website at marshallcampusrec.com.

 

Sam Turley can be contacted at turley60@marshall.edu.