When You Just Can’t With the Gym, Get Zen

Getting in a good sweat is good for our bodies and our moods. But with the lack of open

and working machines that comes with the free gym services at Elon, sometimes I find myself

walking to the gym just to find there isn’t a smidge of open mat space to exercise on. Luckily,

there’s an alternative way to work out within walking distance on campus if you’re someone who

isn’t totally into the traditional gym scene, or just want to try something new!

Zenitry, a wellness studio located in the Fat Frogg plaza, offers classes in yoga for all

levels, as well as pilates, HIIT and cardio classes, all year long. There’s a student discount on

class packages, and the walk to the studio is a little warm up in itself. If you’re someone like me

who can’t focus and keep yourself motivated for over 30 minutes on one machine, these classes

are perfect because there’s no option to quit early. Here are the top three picks for anyone

wanting to switch up their exercise routine and try something new at Zenitry:

Image source: shecare.com

Heated Yoga

Yoga is incredibly beneficial to the mind and soul, and is a perfect stress reliever. The

heated yoga class is one of my favorites – it’s a flowing yoga class that leaves you drenched and

feeling satisfied with your workout. Even if you aren’t a practiced yogi, the class sizes are

always small so the instructor can help you with any alignments or positions, so you truly get the

most out of the hour long session while learning correct form. The hot temperature of the room

helps your muscles relax and allows you to become more flexible, so don’t be hesitant to try the

class if you’re not super stretchy.

Piloxing Barre

This class combines pilates and a barre class in a high intensity, upbeat class. To be

honest, the name sounded intimidating but once I tried it I loved it! It moves fast, but again the

classes are small in participants, so you really get that one on one attention. Held Thursday

nights, this was my favorite class to work up a sweat in before starting my weekend. You’ll be

sore the next day, but it’ll be worth it when you can carry all your grocery bags in one trip.

Restorative Yoga

While this class doesn’t make you sweat, sore or feel the burn, it’s one of my all-time

favorites and a must try after a hard day or week. It’s a candle lit class that only has a few

movements, but allows you to deeply relax, connect with yourself and completely de-stress in

yoga nidra, or yogic sleep. I always went into this class when I had cluttered mind or when I was

overwhelmed, but I’d always leave more content and with more clarity. Since the first class at

Zenitry is free for new students, maybe give this one a try during midterms week!

Of course these aren’t all the classes available, there are plenty more to look into on the

schedule! Most of the classes take place in the evenings, so you can still make your way there

after a long day of class. So go ahead and try something new, I guarantee your body will thank

you!

• elon
• exercise
• yoga