U of G keeps fitness fun with variety of aquatic and dry-land classes
This week I attended two of the fitness classes held in the Athletic Center on the University of Guelph campus. For kicks, I decided to splash things up a bit and get my feet moving in some cardio kickboxing and aqua classes.
The two classes I chose to attend were Tuesday’s 5 p.m. Cardio Kickbox with instructor Lynne, and Thursday’s 12:05 p.m. All Tied Up—Liquid Core class with Sil. Both of these classes were incredibly fun, challenging, and new experiences for me.
Report Card for Cardio Kickbox:
Level of Difficulty: Advanced
Something about me: I greatly lack in the coordination skill department. However, the fact that I got to take out all my school and stress-related aggression in a completely healthy way made up for that. If you’ve got some punches to throw, and some kicks to fire out then this is the class for you. You will need to be able to balance on one foot and quickly learn the action combinations, but other than that, you will get out of this class exactly what you put into it. With no equipment required, you will use your own body weight to incinerate calories and keep your feet moving for the whole hour.
Level of Fun: Medium
As with every class I have attended so far, the music is great and the instructor keeps you pumped up and ready to punch your way through the workout. I suppose that however much you enjoy punching and kicking air will determine how much fun you actually have throughout the class. Disclaimer: it is a lot more fun than you think. Just watch your space and make sure not to make contact with any other classmates, as I feel that would drop the fun factor significantly.
Level of Socialization: Low
If you can catch your breath long enough to have a conversation during the water breaks, you are either incredibly fit or not challenging yourself enough.
Overall Rating: 8/10
While kicking it up a notch on dry land was a lot of fun, I decided to jump in the pool for my next workout, and was surprised by how intense an aqua fitness class could be.
Report Card for All Tied Up – Liquid Core:
Level of Difficulty: Beginner
Don’t let the instructor, Sil, with his sunny personality and quirky jokes fool you: he is hardcore. While the water takes stress off of your joints and muscles throughout the workout, Sil makes up for it with his grueling alternation of pace. He incorporates interval training as well as some lower body muscle work and stretching as a part of the class. This class is perfect for those who find traditional cardio workouts taxing on your joints.
Level of Fun: High
Who doesn’t have fun in the pool? You’ll almost forget that this is your workout for the day with Sil’s entertainment and the childlike movements of this class.
Level of Socialization: Medium
During the breaks, you will get a chance to chat with your neighbour and the instructor. This class is more laid back than others, and while you warm-up and cool down to music, the rest of the class gives you an opportunity to socialize with the other members of the group as well as the instructor.
Overall Rating: 9/10
As always, all fitness classes offered at the University of Guelph are co-ed and participation is encouraged by all students and staff.