FitWell Classes to Check Out!

Maybe you need a break from studying and want to do something active? Maybe it’s pouring outside but you wanted to go on a run? Or maybe you just want to relax a little bit before classes or after them?

If so, FitWell classes are a great way to do so! There are so many different classes that you can join, so here’s a brief overview of some of the currently offered ones!

Fun fact: they’re free to all W&M students, and that’s you! 

Fun fact 2.0: some of these classes may even be taught by your classmates or professor!

Barre:

• This workout combines fitness techniques from Yoga, Pilates and Dance, and stresses core and total body conditioning. You can strengthen your muscles while working out to the beat of music.

BarreCycle:

• Want to take Barre to the next level?
• This class starts off with 30 minutes of cycling to get your heart pumping before moving to another 30 minutes of Barre, creating the perfect cardio and strength combination!

BODYPUMP™ : 

• This is the original barbell class that strengthens your entire body. This workout challenges all your major muscle groups by using weight room exercises like squats, presses, lifts, and curls.

BODYPUMP™ 45 :

• This is a condensed version of the class above! 

Cardio Dance:

• This class uses all of your favorite dance moves, taking your workout to a new level! No dance experience is needed to take this class.

Cardio Kickboxing:

• This high-energy, full-body workout includes punches, kicks, and aerobic exercises to enhance cardiovascular fitness, coordination, and muscular conditioning. No prior kickboxing experience is required
• From someone who’s taken this class a few times, be prepared to put your all into it! The music creates a great environment for you to have high energy and really focus on the moves. You’ll definitely be a bit tired after, but it’s a great workout!

Cycling: 

• It’s an aerobic exercise performed on a stationary bike with great music to keep you motivated!
• From someone who’s taken this class a few times, it’s always super fun to have a friend with you! It’s a very motivated environment with the beat of the music that really gets you into it.

Cycling & Yoga:

• This class gets your heart pumping with 30 minutes of cycling, then helps you find your inner peace with 30 minutes of yoga.

Cycling + Strength:

• The structure of this class is similar to a classic cycling class (above) with the addition of upper body strength intervals off the bike. It’s a great combination of cardio and strength!

Pilates:

• This class uses movements to improve posture, flexibility, strength, and body awareness. It integrates the body and the mind to create a balanced form, while focusing on the body’s core area: abs, glutes, hips and lower back.
• From someone who’s taken this class multiple times, your arms will definitely be a bit sore the first few times. But, it’s a great workout for your core and toning!

Step:

• This class is a cardio workout using an adjustable platform with footwork. And don’t worry – this class provides an effective workout for all fitness levels!

Strength Development:

• This is a 45-minute strength training class that uses a 4-lb barbell, plates, dumbbells, or bodyweight. You can go at your own pace, helping you build muscle, improve technique, and grow your confidence!

Yoga:

• This class is a great way to release tension and reconnect with the mind, body, and spirit. It incorporates strength, balance and flexibility with breath work and static poses to stimulate your mind and restore your body.
• I absolutely love going to yoga classes, especially after a particularly draining day of classes. It’s a great way for me to decompress and relax before I grab dinner or get started with my work for the day/night. 

Yoga + Meditation:

• This class guides you through more formal meditation to ground and connect more fully for relaxation.
• I’ve personally found that meditation is a great way for me to reset for the next day. I love going to these classes later in the day so I’m much more grounded and less stressed before going to sleep or even studying for an upcoming exam. 

Restorative Yoga:

• In this class, you’ll use blocks and bolsters to support your body in poses that are held for several minutes, allowing your muscles to release more deeply into each asana.

Yin Yoga:

• This type of yoga targets the deeper connective tissue with the aim of increasing circulation and improving flexibility. 
• Poses are held for 3-5 minutes to allow time to settle into deep stretches for meditative practice.

Vinyasa Yoga:

• This type of yoga focuses on linking traditional postures to the breath to build internal heat. It promotes flexibility, muscular strength, and muscular endurance. 
• This class is definitely more of an intermediate level. I would recommend ya’ll to try it once you’ve been going to yoga classes for a little while and have become familiar with common asanas. 

Candlelight Yoga:

• Offered on Sunday evenings, this class lets you enjoy a peaceful and relaxing candlelit room. It will stimulate your mind and restore your body for the week ahead.
• I absolutely recommend this class! I go every single Sunday, and it’s a great way for me to set the tone for my next week. I’ve found it super calming and relaxing, allowing me to get ready for Monday morning classes.