Fitness classes’ turnout increases
Turbo Kick and other exercises help students get in better shape thanks to more KU Fit passes.
By Joe Preiner (Contact)
Friday, October 3rd, 2008
New fitness classes available at the Student Recreation Fitness Center are helping more KU students stay in shape this semester.
As the name entails, Turbo Kick, one of the new classes, is a form of cardio-based kickboxing. The exercises are accompanied by hip-hop music used for dance classes, combining two of the recreation center’s most popular activities.
Amber Long, coordinator for Recreation Services, said the increase in class enrollment was due to the availability of KU Fit passes as an optional campus fee. She said recreation services had seen class attendance and sales increase, with about 800 students having bought KU Fit passes already this semester. Students also can buy single-session passes for $3.
The classes, of which there are 55 weekly, range in focus from cardio and strength to yoga and dance. The variety helps students find a class that fits their fitness needs and busy schedules. The recreation center posts the schedule of classes online for students who may be interested in enrolling.
Hollie Swindler, Mott, N.D., graduate student, attends Turbo Kick classes each week. She said the timing of the class fit in well with the rest of her schedule. Swindler, who is also a KU Fit instructor, said group fitness classes like Turbo Kick helped motivate participants.
Video by Tyler Waugh
Get a glimpse of the new Turbo Kick class offered at the Student Reaction Fitness Center.
“I like the atmosphere of group exercise,” Swindler said. “It’s a lot harder to quit halfway through when there are other people going through a tough workout with you.”
Maggie McCormick, Turbo Kick’s instructor, said the class had been popular in part because of how it was structured. The pre-choreographed routines the instructor uses in Turbo Kick are presented in rounds. Each round of the class lasts six weeks. McCormick said it allowed students to memorize the movements, which then allowed them to push themselves harder.
The Turbo Kick class meets every Monday and Thursday afternoon in the exercise room at the recreation center. McCormick said turnout had been good so far, and no one had been turned away from the 45-person class.
Katie Phillips, Buhler junior, began attending Turbo Kick last week after a friend told her about the class. She said finding time to work out in between her classes was difficult, but she went whenever she could spare a moment. She said setting a routine helped keep her organized and focused.
The recreation center plans to add more Turbo Kick classes next semester, when more certified instructors are available.
— Edited by Arthur Hur
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