Surprisingly, not many students know about the free group fitness classes at the rec center. And even more surprisingly, not many people utilize them. I’ve tried almost every class, and here is how I improved my fitness routine using the classes at the rec.
Everything you need to know beforehand
First of all, you need to download the UC Campus Recreation app in order to register for the classes, and you can register on the app up until 1 hour before the start time.
And pro tip: you cannot miss two classes in the same week, or you can’t register for the next.
There are no outfit requirements, but I recommend a fitting pair of shorts and a snug shirt. Personally, a baggy shirt gets in the way with all the movement you will be doing. Especially in yoga, if you are positioned towards the floor, your shirt WILL go over your head. It is common for people to show up in sports bras and biker shorts, running shorts, compression shirts, and leggings. You also need to wear a closed-toe pair of shoes inside the building. But for some classes like Yoga or Pilates, people take off their shoes and sometimes their socks. Also, most of the class students are women, but that shouldn’t discourage anyone else! Everyone is allowed into any class.
For me, I love how compact the classes are. Instead of waiting for machines during peak hours or building a whole workout myself, I can just add it to my schedule and follow someone else’s instructions for 45 minutes to an hour. This is especially useful as a busy student; I can get in and get out. Each class has its own variation of a warm-up, workout, cooldown, and usually a playlist. All equipment, such as weights, mats, bands, ankle weights, etc., is provided. Personally, I like to mold my daily activity around the hours. For example, if RIPPED is at 6:00 p.m. and there’s a yoga class at 7:15 p.m., I’ll use RIPPED for my weightlifting and yoga for mental calmness, breathwork, and balance. This means I get in two nice sessions in under two hours. Managing my time is always a priority for me, and I find that I can get in and out quicker, home, and showered by the time I would be leaving a standard gym session. And whether or not you think the classes genuinely push you or are light work, there are good options to get your daily movement no matter what.
Are all classes the same?
As far as recommendations go, I think the rec center has something for everyone. They offer HIIT & Core, Yin Yoga, Pilates Fusion, Power Cycle, Full Body Strength, Cycle, Strength, Pilates & Barre, Yoga, Dance, and Aqua Fitness classes.
For newcomers to workout classes, I would recommend Vinyasa Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Rhythm Ride, Full Body Strength, and Pilates Fusion. The Yoga classes are calm and generally simple, and they almost always offer alternative or easy poses if you need a break or are unable to complete the pose. And the vibe is less intense; you can get settled and familiar with the equipment room and class structure. Pilates is similar; there are some optional or modified positions if you’re pushing yourself too hard. Rhythm Ride is a cycling class with a playlist that matches the speed you pedal at, but it’s based on your pace. You can always turn down the resistance on the bikes and just pedal to the music.
There is a large middle ground for the classes. I would say most of them are a good median and meet people where they are at. And if you have never been to a class before and want to throw yourself into one, that works too. None of them are exclusively for insanely fit and disciplined people, and all of them that involve equipment allow you to select your own weights. However, there are a few that I wish I had a small sneak peek at before my first time.
My recommendations and experience
Any of the dance classes like Zumba (one of my personal favorites) or Dance Fitness do require full attention for first-timers. It’s similar to Just Dance. If you look away, you’ll probably be a little lost, especially if you aren’t a dancer. They are super fun, but you aren’t learning the dances step-by-step. They usually go through the motions quickly, and you are expected to follow. It’s a nice cardio workout and a way to break a sweat while listening to upbeat music in an enthusiastic environment, but it can be a little bit of an ego check seeing some of the retired dancers nail the moves and your feet can’t seem to find the rhythm.
Other classes that I have found less easygoing are RIPPED, Power Cycle, BARRE, HIIT & Core, and Pilates Sculpt. Again, I would say all of the classes are open to all fitness levels. These just usually have more activities on their agenda and really get you sweating. I genuinely leave these classes drenched in sweat. In addition to the bodyweight workout, these are also meant to sculpt or tone you in some way with the weights.
As this might seem intimidating, the instructors are all for taking a break if needed. It is common for people in the class to take a rest when needed. The instructors are there to push you but will also remind you that if you need a break or a modified move, take it.
I think all of the classes provide good benefits, but I am biased toward my favorites. My top classes to attend are Hatha Yoga, Pilates Fusion, Zumba, and RIPPED. Each of these four serves different aspects of my workout goals. Hatha Yoga is more for balance and serenity, or when I want to move my body in a gentle way. Pilates Fusion is always a push for my core and overall muscle endurance, as well as controlled breathing. Zumba is a fun, cardio-focused class where I can have some laughs with friends while getting a good sweat on. And RIPPED is where I like to pick heavier weights and really focus on controlling the weight.
Instructors matter as well. As I have not had a bad experience with a Group Fit instructor, I love the vibes that Emmaline, Ayana, and Lenecia bring to their classes! They each have different teaching styles, but they all show encouragement and direction well. Their classes feel Barbie-coded.
conclusion
Some of the new editions, most involving the pool, I have yet to try. But I don’t doubt that they’re challenging themselves. Overall, the UC Rec is somewhere I feel I get the most out of my tuition. Specifically, with the classes. Whether you are using them in addition to your lift, as a chill yoga cool-down, or a fun filler workout with your friends, the recreation center is a place I advise all students to check out.