The Flavors of Fitness
By Allison Potter

It’s my usual dilemma -- do I run on the treadmill or on the indoor track? Pros and cons are weighed, and typically my desire to watch mtvU while I gasp for breath wins the debate. But lately I haven’t had much desire to exercise at all. It might be the combination of trudging through the snowy slush and Antarctica-like climates to reach my destination or the fact that the variety in my workout routine is simply lacking.

To try something new, I decided to take advantage of the free week of fitness classes offered during the start of each quarter. I looked at the list of classes and time offerings and found one that sounded interesting: Body Sculpt at 2:30 p.m. with Rachel W.

My body could definitely use some sculpting, considering my penguin waddle isn’t too cute anymore. I can also never remember those body sculpting workouts featured in practically every magazine I read.

I enter the room where the class is being conducted. There are several people getting their step boxes, yoga mats, and resistance bands. The instructor, Rachel Webb, turns on the music and adjusts her headset.

“Hi, guys! Everyone ready?” Rachel says enthusiastically. “Let’s start with your right foot on your step box and bring your left knee to your chest!"

The moment I put my step box on the ground it falls apart. Great, how am I going to handle all of these accessories? What do I do with these over-sized rubber bands? I wanted to roll up in my yoga mat and hide. Maybe there’s still time to ditch out and just go to the treadmill?

One of the other fitness helpers comes over after he notices my few failed attempts to fix my stepper. He puts it back together in a flash, and I’m reminded once again how I’m not good at fixing things.

I look around the room. I’m surprised by the wide age-range of people. Everyone was also really into the workout, so I put forth my best arm pumping skills.

Now I’m sweating. I’m not even running around. Actually there are no cardio exercises throughout the entire routine. This strength-based workout was making me a mini-Arnold, and I was truly enjoying the ‘pump.’

One hour and a sweat-soaked shirt later, the class was over. I felt like I accomplished a great workout and learned so many new moves. I could already feel the burn. After sanitizing my yoga mat, I walked over and talked with Rachel.

“Yes, I would definitely recommend this class for everyone.” Rachel said as she wiped the sweat from her forehead. “We use 12-pound resistance weights, but everyone can get a good workout by taking it to their own level and making it work for them.”

Well, it worked for me. I’m officially a fan of the fitness classes, and I can’t wait to try all of the selections on the fitness buffet. Rachel recommended the kickboxing and cycling classes to help spice up my exercise life too. So I say goodbye to watching the minutes pass on the treadmill -- I can’t see myself having another vanilla workout thanks to the flavors of free week.