As Spring Break quickly approaches, students head to the nearest recreation center to get their beach bodies ready.

Some of these gym-goers attend weekly group workouts provided by both State Gym and Lied Recreation Althletic Center. Classes can range from kickboxing, a high intensity class involving kicking and punching movements, to Piloxing, a mix of Pilates, boxing and dance.

“It is a great way to mix up the normal workout that I do everyday. I’m used to a lot of cardio but this specific class had me doing all types of exercises that I have never done before,” said Samantha Rottman, freshman in pre-business, after attending her first boot camp group workout. 

Kaitlin Walters, freshman in elementary education, who recently attended her first group workout class, said it was a nice change of pace.

“As a college student, it seems that my schedule is always filled with many stressful and demanding tasks each week. Taking a workout class is a great way to let off some steam, even if you only go once a week, it still makes a big difference,” Walters said.

Walters said the atmosphere from the class she attended was very upbeat and motivating. There was never a dull moment and the instructor was very encouraging.

Laura Talken, a former Piloxing instructor at State Gym, said her greatest reward was having a student come up to her after the class to tell her how much their abs hurt while drenched in sweat.

“Exercise is a great form of stress relief, and group fitness is a great way to change up your normal workout and make some new friends,” Talken said.

Any of the workout classes are sure to get your blood flowing. Most classes have around 15 participants ranging from beginners to advanced students. Anyone is welcome to come, and all group workouts are free to ISU students and faculty. For students who want to try something new, there are a variety of different group workout classes and State Gym or Lied.

Each instructor is required to complete training and is qualified to coach any level of participant. All group workout schedules and class descriptions are accessible on the ISU Recreation Services page online. Next to each class description there is a level suggestion ranging from beginner to advanced.

For students who are bored of the same old workout, check out any of the diverse group workouts and maybe get new ideas for ways to change up daily routines. It’s not only a good way to get that Spring Break body but also a great way to meet new people and exercise.