Back in the spring, when picking my fall schedule, I decided to take a yoga and Pilates class to fill in the empty time before regular classes start. I have always been an active person with sports, and going to the gym, but I have never taken yoga or Pilates. The great part is that you can take these classes for 1 credit each if you need to catch up on credits. You are also able to just drop in the classes located throughout the Dixon Center if you’d like to try it out without obtaining credits, and for no charge. Cabrini offers many different types of yoga, spinning, and zumba. Here are the class descriptions to see if any interest you:
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Body Bar Pilates: a more aerobic exercise that incorporates both the longer body bar (4-18 lbs.) and the smaller bar with Pilates exercises to strengthen the entire body
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Boot Camp Box: this class focuses on many of the boxing techniques, while still getting a total-body workout through it's boot-camp style.
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Cardio Kickboxing: an intense, total-body workout which is a combination of aerobics, boxing and martial arts. This workout can help improve strength, aerobic fitness, flexibility, coordination and balance.
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Hatha Yoga: a unique yoga practice that incorporates controlled breathing with asanas (poses)
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HIIT: (High Intensity Interval Training): Freestyle class for a high-intensity and all-over body workout
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House Party Fitness: is a dance fitness/cardio hip-hop program using the hottest urban music from Hip-Hop (old and new school), Ragga, House, Top-40, R&B, Electronic, and Reggaeton. HPF focuses not only on toning, but also strengthening major muscle groups. This is done by incorporating resistance training of the 3 zones: Arms, lower body and core. Whether using your own body weight, bands, or weights: it is a TOTAL body workout to shape and strengthen.
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Insanity: A cardio-based, total-body conditioning program that incorporates plyometric drills, intervals of strength, power and resistance moves. It also includes ab and core training techniques to help sculpt and tone.
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Jillian Michael's BodyShred: High intensity and endurance based workout utilizing her interval approach of 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio and 1 minute of abs
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Kundalini Yoga: one of the oldest yoga practices; a more aerobic workout that builds heart rate with rapid breath and movements; said to energize the spine
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Mat/Ball Pilates: incorporating the stability ball in a basic Pilates class to obtain stability and strength
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Mat Pilates: a series of core-strengthening exercises with breath control to keep the mind focused on keeping the abdominals engaged throughout the workout
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Spinning: a fun, creative, and intense workout on an exercise bike
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Total Body Workout:A strength training class targeting major muscle groups using various equipment and body weight.
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Yogalates: a series of yoga poses to build strength and flexibility, than a basic mat Pilates workout to strengthen the core
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Zumba: fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a dynamic fitness program; rhythms and resistance training combined to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat
If any of these interest you, check out the Dixon Center web page for all of the class schedules.
The reason for sharing these classes with you is because I believe that it is a great privilege to have all of the resources that we have here at Cabrini University promoting our health. There is something here for everyone to get involved in. Before these classes, during my class breaks I would not really have much to do. Now, I get to broaden my exercise routine from just going to the gym, to attending the gym and adding in two Pilates classes a week with no charge.
The classes I have taken, yoga and Pilates, are aimed for beginners. They start out easy and then progress as time goes on. The instructors make you feel comfortable and welcomed, so do not feel intimidated. So far, all of the people in the classes have been friendly and encouraging. The class as a whole enjoys seeing everyone progress and grow in a new way.
Should you give yoga a try?
Yoga is a series of stretches and poses that you do with breathing techniques. It offers the powerful benefits of exercise. And since yoga is gentle, almost anyone can do it, regardless of your age or fitness level. Yoga is a 5,000-year-old discipline from India. It was developed as a practice to unite the mind and body. There are many branches of yoga. All yoga styles can help balance your body, mind, and spirit, but they achieve it in various ways. Some yoga styles are intense and vigorous. Others are relaxing and meditative. No matter which type you choose, yoga is a great way to stretch and strengthen your body, focus your mind, and relax your spirit. Did that sound interesting to you? If so, give it a shot! The classes are a great de-stresser from classes and everyday tasks. So treat yourself and try something new. You just might end up loving it.