For the past year, many of us have been doing workout classes online and avoiding the gyms. Now, with everything starting to get back to normal at Penn State, they have opened opportunities to join in on socially distanced workout classes in some cool places on campus.
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These classes must be signed up for in advance, as they contain a limited amount of spots. If you are struggling with which class to choose, here are some options that I absolutely loved!Â
- Cycling
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Cycling is such a fun class to go to with your friends. The class is currently being taught in person in a huge gym with spaced-out bikes to keep it safe during COVID. Usually, the class is held in a smaller instruction room with the lights dimmed, so hopefully it will soon transition back to that environment.Â
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I have had multiple instructors for cycling, and they all play great music. It pumps you up and gets you to pedal even harder, all to get the best workout possible. They also play happy, more calming music for the cool down session at the end.
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The cycling bikes each have a resistance dial, so you get to choose how intense the workout is on your legs. I enjoy this feature because although you have to turn it to simulate the uphill and downhill peddling, the amount of resistance is up to you.Â
- PowerRemix!
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This class is hands-down my favorite way to work out. Right now, it is mostly offered online, but when the weather is nice, they will teach it in huge groups on the tennis courts or even the Men’s Baseball Field.Â
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PowerRemix is basically a Zumba class. It mixes fun, popular music with intense cardio moves. My roommate and I go to these classes religiously – they are that fun. So, definitely bring your friends along with you to this one. It’s like a huge dance party!
- Yoga
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I am a huge fan of yoga in general. Usually, I go to a yoga studio in my hometown that does many meditative, strategically moving classes.
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The yoga class I went to at Penn State was more of a workout yoga class. This is what I should have expected of a gym yoga class, but it made me miss my studio at home. So, I did not like the hardcore, sweaty aspect of this yoga class. I am used to a more calming practice, but it was still an excellent workout.
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This is a great class that isn’t cardio, but it will still kick your butt!
- AB-Solute Core
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This class will leave you sore for days. It is such a strengthening workout, but since it is such a short class of 20 minutes, it is nonstop. You will go from crunches to planks to leg lifts, all in a matter of seconds.
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It is certainly challenging, but it is the perfect workout to do paired with some form of cardio before or after. I did this one with my friends, and although I enjoyed it, some of them didn’t. So, only if you enjoy intense ab workouts would this class be for you.
- Barre
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Barre is the perfect class for a killer leg workout, and it will also leave you sore for days after. It is currently being offered online and in person, but either way of instruction still ensures a great workout.
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I did a virtual Barre class through a Penn State Instagram live while in quarantine, and it was so fun. You don’t need to be in person for it, but the perk of being so is that weights are provided. When I was at home, I either did it with full wine bottles, cans of soup, or just using my body weight. Anyway, it was still killer for the calves, arms, and butt!
I strongly encourage any Penn State student to take advantage of these free workout classes. They make working out so much fun, and it can be a great bonding activity to do with your college friends.Â