Since 2008, group fitness classes led by certified instructors have been available to all Lipscomb students and employees. Today, Lipscomb’s group fitness program has evolved from providing just basic step, kickboxing and Pilates sessions to offering unique workout classes like Afro-Caribbean dance, yoga and pound.
“In 2009, Campus Rec started offering Spin classes,” said Steffani Davis, Campus Recreation Graduate Assistant. “Also during 2009, the crazy class that we all know as Zumba was introduced to the Lipscomb campus. This new Latin-style of dance spiked a lot of interest in the student body.”
Shortly after a separate Spin room was built in the Student Activities Center, Zumba classes began and participation in Lipscomb’s group fitness program saw a sharp increase.
“In fall of 2011, the Spin studio was moved and converted into what is today’s Group Fitness room,” Davis said. “With the new amount of space came a new amount of classes, such hip-hop classes, yoga, sculpting, PiYo, and much more.”
All of the classes offered are considered all-levels classes and are designed to cater to students at any skill-stage.
Yoga
Two styles of yoga are being offered at Lipscomb this semester: Iyengar and Baptiste.
“Baptiste Power Yoga is a fun, strengthening, playful style of yoga that will get your heart pumping and bring a smile to your face,” said yogo instructor Gabriel Poe. “It incorporates everything from pushups and planks to the more traditional downward facing dog and tree poses that most people associate with yoga.”
An Iyengar Yoga class is also offered, which is a slower, more meditative style of exercise.
Pound
Pound is a cardio-intensive work-out that integrates Pilates, isometric movements, plyometric, isometric poses and constant simultaneous drumming.
“Pound is a choreographed workout with cardio and strength training,” said instructor Courtney Fleming. “It incorporates drumming that works the entire body and raises the heart rate into the fat-burning zone.”
Afro-Caribbean Dance
The Afro-Caribbean dance class offered this semester has been designed for beginners as well as students who may have previous dance training.
“This class is of course cardio and it’ll get your heart rate going, but we’re also learning about a culture that we usually don’t hear that much about,” said instructor Naomi Eniafe. “All the other dances started with this one right here. So, it’s like we are teaching the grandmamma of all the dances.”
These are just three of the several opportunities Lipscomb is offering as group fitness classes this semester. Tone, spin, boot camp, Zumba and core are also provided throughout the week at the SAC.
“I enjoy group Lipscomb’s group fitness program because it offers group classes that I can do with friends and that keeps me accountable,” said communications major Chaselynn Beard. “I also like that there’s a variety so I can try different things without having to go pay for something I may end up not liking.”
All classes are free for Lipscomb students and employees.
“Campus Recreation is constantly striving to keep up with fitness trends and is also listening to what students want,” Davis said. “Each year we always brainstorm on what new, exciting class we can add to the schedule.”
Photo courtesy of Lipscomb University