Start the new semester active by taking advantage of on-campus group exercises at the Student Life Center.
The SLC offers group exercise classes for all Red Dragons. These classes are a great way to stay active, relieve stress, and build a sense of community with other students and even your instructors! The membership fees for the classes are affordable and instructors often offer free classes first to encourage more students to participate and try a class out before committing to a fee.
The classes offered currently include yoga, indoor cycling, Pilates, box and burn, and Zumba. These workouts are effective, fun, and will leave you feeling accomplished and energized.
Yoga:
Yoga is a practice that combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. It helps improve flexibility, strength, and relaxation, while promoting overall well-being. Yoga is well known for its stress-reducing benefits, making it a great way to calm your mind after a busy day. There are various styles of yoga, ranging from gentle classes that focus on stretching and mindfulness to more intense sessions that challenge your strength and endurance. Yoga can be a fantastic way to clear your mind and relax, especially during a hectic semester. It’s also great for improving balance and flexibility, which can help prevent injuries in other physical activities.
Indoor Cycling:
Indoor cycling, also known as spinning, can be both a low-impact and high-impact exercise, depending on the instructors’ cues and pace of the class. This workout is done on stationary bikes indoors and is known for its ability to boost cardiovascular fitness while targeting the lower body. Cycling classes often include high-intensity intervals, where you push yourself to work hard, followed by recovery periods to catch your breath. Not only does indoor cycling strengthen your legs to improve endurance, but it also helps enhance cardiovascular health. This workout is a great way to burn calories, improve your stamina, and get your heart pumping without putting stress on your joints.
Pilates
Pilates is a low-impact exercise that focuses on building strength and flexibility. It targets muscles throughout the core, lower body, and upper body, depending on the class and specific exercises. Pilates is known for its controlled movements that help improve posture, balance, and muscle toning. Classes usually involve the use of light weights, resistance bands, or Pilates-specific equipment to activate muscles or improve strength. One of the greatest benefits of Pilates is its ability to engage both the body and the mind, as the exercises really do require concentration and precision. It’s an excellent workout for students who are looking to improve their core strength and overall muscle tone while reducing stress.
Zumba
Zumba is a dance-based fitness class that combines energetic music with high-intensity dance moves. It’s designed to be fun and engaging, helping you improve your cardiovascular health, coordination, and overall fitness. Zumba provides a full-body workout, but it mainly targets the lower body with all the movement involved. The classes are typically done in a group setting, which creates a positive, motivating atmosphere. The music and the fun, easy-to-follow dance routines make Zumba feel more like a dance party than workout! It’s a great option for students who love music and want to get fit while having fun. Plus, Zumba can be easily modified to suit different fitness levels, so anyone can participate and enjoy the experience.
Box and Burn
Box and Burn is a high-intensity workout that combines boxing techniques with conditioning exercises. It’s a great way to improve strength, endurance, and coordination, while also stress relief. During these classes, you’ll use punching bags and practice various boxing drills to engage the upper and lower body. Box and burn is perfect for those looking for an intense workout that challenges both the body and mind. The cardio component of the class helps increase cardiovascular fitness, while the strength training portion targets muscle and builds power. This class is a great way to improve overall fitness and relieve stress in a fun, energetic environment.
What makes these group exercise classes even better is that the instructors are always knowledgeable and energetic, ensuring that you enjoy every class you attend. They create an upbeat, motivating environment that makes exercising more enjoyable, especially in a group setting. Many of the instructors are students themselves at SUNY Cortland, so you may even see them around campus.
Each class costs $5 for a one-time pass, or you can invest in a semester pass for $45. This semester pass gives you access to unlimited classes throughout the semester, which is a great value considering the range of classes available to students and faculty. Both of these options are realistic and affordable, making it easy for you to get involved in group fitness on campus.
As the semester kicks into full gear, there’s no better time to prioritize your health and well-being. Group exercise classes at the SLC provide a fun and engaging way to stay active, reduce stress and meet new people. Whether you’re easing into yoga for some relaxation or pushing your limits in an indoor cycling session, these workouts offer something for everyone.
The affordable pricing and supportive atmosphere make it easy to get involved with instructors who are both knowledgeable and passionate, making every class feels like an experience you won’t want to miss. So don’t wait, take that first step toward a healthier, more balanced semester. Your mind and body will thank you!