Campus Rec Offering New Fitness Activity Classes

A number of new activity classes will be offered at the Student Recreation Center, including Bollywood dance, bellydancing and a suspension training.

Bollywood dance, bellydancing, a weight loss program, suspension training and classes specifically designed for those with low mobility and knee injuries are among the new offerings at the Student Recreation Center.

The University of Arizona's Campus Recreation also will continue a number of classes that debuted during the summer, including ballet barre workout, contemporary dance, women's self defense and a course focused on the  Feldenkrais Method, which trains students to tap into the brain's "motor centers" to improve training.

"I am always looking for something to add to reach out to different markets," said Lorey Pro, the fitness coordinator for Campus Recreation.

This requires finding the qualified instructor with the best fit and diversifying class offerings, Pro said.

All told, the center offers more than two dozen fitness activity classes and nearly 60 group classes, which are more informal and less structured for those who may not be able to register for a multi-week class. 

Group offerings include Zumba, spinning, Pilates, several types of yoga classes and a hip hop dance class, among others.

Registration for the activity classes, which are non-credit offerings, began Aug. 23 at the Student Recreation Center. All classes start Sept. 7 or later and payment is due at the time of registration.

Most classes run $20 to $60 for members and $90 to $170 for non-members, though one cost-free course is being offered by the non-profit Taoist Tai Chi Society, and the Fast Track to Fitness program costs $150 for members and $275 for non-members.

Visitors can expect a broad range of offerings, in addition to the classes the center will continue through the academic year.

In the 10-week Latin dance class, participants will learn Salsa, Tango, Rhumba and other forms. The course is modeled after “Dancing With The Stars,” and no experience is necessary to join.

The ballet barre class will focus on strength building, flexibility, ballet exercises and yoga, among other forms.

Also, the new mixed martial arts class will focus on boxing, kickboxing, wresting and other techniques and skills. The class is being taught by Joey “Boom Boom” Rivera, a World Fighting Federation title champion.

Another new offering, suspension training, will help guests learn how to use their body weight to build strength and flexibility. 

While expanding and diversifying classes, one of the challenges has been in demystifying the belief that the Student Recreation Center is meant only for students.

"We want to welcome more people who may be interested in other offerings," said Cody Nicholls, Campus Recreation's assistant director for business and student development.  

The center is actively working to reach out to a number of different groups of people and, in particular, is encouraging faculty and staff members to use the site and inviting those who are recovering from injuries and also men to more broadly consider activity courses, which are widely popular among women.

"I think some have the impression that only students come here to work out, but we have programming available for all types of people," Pro said.

Take the Wildcat Weight Loss program, for example. 

It is another new offering this year. During the class, participants will receive instruction in a weight room at the center designed for a more private setting. 

"It will be less intimidating, and I am hoping that the group will be a social network," Pro said. "Everyone will have similar goals, so they will be able to support each other."

Fast Track to Fitness, another unique program, offers 30-minute express workouts for those who cannot devote more time in the day for working out. The class also includes nutritional counseling and personal training.

"This also creates a social network," Pro said. "In all of the fitness activity classes, that is one aspect I am looking for."