For the first time in history, University Wellness is holding its first Gym Class Heroes Challenge, which began on Monday, April 4, 2022! The challenge will be held for 2 weeks, from April 4 to April 15, 2022. There will be twenty different classes offered at the Andreasen Center for Wellness and they are open to Andrews University students and employees as well as its partners.
Moreover, there will be prizes for the top three participants:
1st place: Apple Watch SE
2nd place: Airpods 3
3rd place: Free 5-Session Personal Training Package.
In addition, prizes will also be given to participants for engaging in the challenge on social media.
What motivated you and your team to start a Gym Class Heroes Challenge?
We had great participation in the University Wellness Step Challenge back in February, and a lot of people expressed they’d like to see more challenges happening. Since April is a time that a lot of people get busy and stop exercising (especially students), we wanted to do something that would motivate individuals to keep moving even though they’re busier. We also wanted to incentivize attending the classes that we offer to motivate students and employees to try something new that they might enjoy!
Knowing that there are about 20 classes offered, which classes do you recommend to students who will be attending a gym class for the first time or those who are not used to working out?
We have 20 different classes, but over 40 opportunities to attend a class each week! I think most of our instructors are really good at what we call “scaling,” or showing people how to do a movement in an easier or harder way, meaning the class can work for anyone. So it really just depends on what type of workout you’ll enjoy most. However, Beginning Fitness, H20 Fit (water aerobics), and Cardio Drumming are all great for those just starting out on a fitness journey. We also have classes that are non-impact and just for helping you stretch and mobilize, like Movement Therapy, Lunchtime Stretch and Restore 30.
Which classes do you recommend to those who want to challenge themselves?
Some of the classes are designed to really help you push hard by getting your heart rate up and helping you keep it high throughout class. Metabolic Conditioning, Kickboxing, Cross Training, Spin X and Lunch Time Grind are all great for this. My personal favorite is STRONG Nation (maybe I’m biased because I teach it), which is high-intensity interval training to music. It’s a bodyweight class, so no equipment, but you do a lot of function movements and plyometrics and by the end of the 45 minutes, you’re usually soaked.
Will this challenge be held annually?
We’re going to see how this first one goes and what the response is, but we hope to hold it annually.
Will these classes be offered until the end of the semester?
All of the classes will be offered through exam week. We’ll start our summer class schedule (which has fewer classes) starting the first week of summer break.
Do you have any comments or statements that you would like to share with the readers?
I think sometimes people are nervous or uninterested in trying classes because they think everyone in class will be watching what they’re doing. The truth is, people are working hard and focused on themselves or the instructor. The great thing about attending a class is that you can get an awesome workout designed by a professional who will also motivate you the whole time. Sometimes it can be a little confusing the first time you try a new class, but if you keep going, it gets more and more fun. And you usually get to know people in the class. It becomes a little community that helps hold each other accountable. Also, I know a lot of guys think classes are for the ladies, and while we DO have more females that attend classes, it is a great way to meet people and change things up from your normal routine.
As Director Keele says, the challenge is for everyone–to explore new exercises, classes, and people and to take a break from the business of life. As we run toward the end of the semester, let’s seize the opportunity and enjoy the Gym Class Heroes Challenge!
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.