GCSU proudly houses its Wellness and Recreation Center on West Campus, a central spot for student health and activities. The center’s popularity with many students regarding staying fit and healthy lies in the various workout classes offered each week.
The dynamic facility blends three essential university departments under one roof: Student Health Services, Counseling Services and the Department of Wellness and Recreation.
Numerous programs and activities are available to students through the Department of Wellness and Recreation to encourage recreational engagement, mental health and physical fitness. Students can access fitness facilities, participate in aquatics programs, engage in both organized sports leagues or casual free-play activities and take part in outdoor adventure programs.
The center’s diverse benefits ensure that every student can find activities that match their interests and fitness goals. For students who may feel intimidated by the idea of working out in a public space, like that of GCSU’s gym, scheduled workout classes offer a group alternative that invites comfort in numbers, in terms of exercise.
The structured nature of workout classes helps students stay active through the commitment of signing up in advance and once students have signed up, they are more likely to attend. Classes can build accountability that can make it harder to procrastinate, unlike going to the gym independently which can make it easier to postpone for anyone.
Other advantages of working out in a class include learning more about the gym from the instructor, feeling more at ease because there are more people around and having fun with your friends.
One of the popular classes talked about amongst students is Pilates classes. Pilates is a strengthening class focused on smaller movements, more control and improving physical and mental wellbeing.
“I really like how they help keep me in shape and how it helps me feel productive afterward,” said Chloe Bruck, a freshman nursing major.
Other classes talked about are yoga, a mind and body practice that can build strength and flexibility and may also help manage pain and reduce stress. Various styles of yoga combine physical postures, breathing techniques and meditation.
“My favorite classes that they offer are definitely Pilates and yoga,” said Grace Williams, a freshman psychology major. ”I personally love yoga with Emma the instructor. I love how she gives us themes of what to wear, and there’s always something to look forward to.”
Williams noted her preference for solo weight training, mentioning a set routine that works best for her individual needs.
“I wait a certain amount of time in between each set and that’s what works best and how I see the most progress,” Williams said. “However I like to do cardio in the form of workout classes because I tend to push myself more and I also think it is a good social outlet,”
Classes offered here an alternative class is a 40-minute burn. A low-impact full-body workout to build strength, it is broken into four targeted sections using weights and resistance bands.
“I like the burn because you workout every part of your body: abs, arms, legs, then glutes and you can use whichever weights you want and go at your own intensity level,” said Ellie Godwin, a freshman mass communication major.
Brianna June, a freshman exercise science major who teaches Pilates-barre fusion classes, got her teaching certification from home and expressed how she knew she wanted to teach in college.
“GCSU’s fitness classes were perfect for me,” June said. “I love getting to know the girls attending class and it’s so fun to teach people my age.”
Students can access classes through the app or website IMLeagues, after purchasing the group fitness class pass costing $10 per semester. Pre-registration for classes opens on Sundays at 12 p.m. for classes taking place the following week.