Group Fitness 101
Looking at the KU Fit schedule can be a bit intimidating and scary. What is Butz ‘N Gutz? Do I need dance experience to come to BarreAbove? Are the cycling classes as intense as the ones I see on TikTok? These are probably some of the things running through your mind. Let me break down each of the classes the KU rec center has to offer so that you feel a little less intimidated when faced with the schedule and you can go into each class prepared!
Cycling Classes
I’m sure you have seen all of the trendy cycling classes that bloggers and YouTubers advertise on their social media. In recent years SoulCycle and CycleBar have become very well known. The cycling classes provided at the rec are not nearly as intense as these popular formats but they still give you a high quality workout. There are two different formats available for you to take at the rec, just a classic cycling class and cycle and core. A classic cycling class will be 45 minutes on the bike, doing a variety of drills. Cycle and core will be roughly 20-30 minutes on the bike and 15-20 minutes on the floor doing an abdominal workout. Each instructor teaches a bit differently so you will have to try a few to find the right fit for what you’re looking for in a workout. All of these classes are held in the cycle studio which is upstairs near the cardio equipment. Try a cycling class on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
BodyPump
BodyPump is described as a fast-paced, barbell-based workout. It is designed to help you get lean and toned. You can expect squats, deadlifts, cleans, lunges and bicep curls, all while using barbells. Since this format challenges all of your major muscle groups, it is suggested to do this workout two to three times a week. You have the opportunity to try one of these classes at the rec on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. It is held in the aerobics studio and all you need to bring is yourself, a water bottle and a mask, the rest of the equipment is provided!
HIIT
You may be wondering what HIIT stands for. It is an acronym that stands for High-Intensity Interval Training, a form of cardio. HIIT workouts are known to make you start sweating fast while building muscle and boosting your metabolism. The class is laid out to do different exercises in spurts of 30 seconds to 3 minutes followed by a rest period for about the same amount of time. It helps improve your aerobic strength and your muscular strength. I would suggest a HIIT class to anyone from a beginner to an experienced gym rat. You are able to make many modifications based on your abilities. HIIT classes are taught on Mondays and Wednesdays in the aerobics Studio. The aerobics studio can be found across from the basketball courts!
Butz ‘N Gutz
Butz ‘N Gutz is the perfect workout to target this particular area of your body. It focuses on exercises to strengthen and tone your glutes and your abdomen. The high energy makes this workout challenging and fun. You can attend a class on Mondays and Wednesdays in the aerobics studio.
Pound
You are probably curious as to what pound would have to do with working out and how that could be a fitness class. Pound is described as a full body cardio-jam session. The instructor encourages you to channel your inner rockstar, during the class you utilize drumsticks in the workout. It has been compared to Zumba as a rock and roll version or think Just Dance with drumsticks! This class takes place in the aerobics studio on Mondays.
BarreAbove
BarreAbove is a mix of pilates, yoga and aerobics. It is a combination of small movements utilizing a ballet barre and a few pieces of equipment. You do not need any dance experience in order to take this class! This format of classes have started to become popular in recent years because of the benefits it has for people. It can improve muscle tone, flexibility, posture and overall body strength. Try a class on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the aerobics studio.
MixxedFit
MixxedFit is a fitness program that combines fun dance moves with body weight toning. It is full of explosive movements and ultimately is one big dance party while getting your workout in! This format is also similar to Zumba in the sense that it is a dance inspired class however dance experience is not required! This class is so much fun to come to with a group of friends. This format is only available on Tuesdays, so head to the aerobics studio and give it a try!