By Cori Osterman
Not only does exercise benefit a person’s physical well-being, but mental health is also greatly impacted by fitness, according to numerous research studies.
College students at Western Michigan University have access to group fitness classes at the Student Recreation Center to help with stress management.
“Attending group fitness classes does help with my daily stress,” said WMU sophomore Megan Baldry. “For 45 minutes, I get to just walk into the studio and forget about everything else on my plate. It is the biggest relief.”
The classes offered include Zumba and CycleFit, in both of which participants are led through the exercises and encouraged to reach their goals both in school and life. Class instructors strive to create an environment where students feel safe and welcomed.
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- Graduate Assistant for Employee Wellness and Personal Training Maddy Mularski leads her Zumba class through various dances. “I love to talk to my participants and understand their goals, and aid them with whatever they are working towards. I’m able to get all of my stress out and leave any worries behind,” Mularski said.
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- Zumba group fitness participants follow the instructor in forms of dance at the Student Recreation Center. A recording of the class is also made for at-home participants.
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- Megan Baldry, now a WMU sophomore, attended her first Zumba class during Fall Welcome Week as a first-year student.
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- Graduate Assistant for Fitness and Wellness Lindsey King, 27, leads the CycleFit group fitness class weekly at the Student Recreation Center. She uses upbeat music and lots of motivational talk to encourage participants.
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- A handwritten note sits to one side of Lindsey King’s stationary bike to remind her of the class itinerary. It details the different exercises done on the bikes such as “long climb” and “strength loops,” plus the songs she plays during the session.
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- The CycleFit room in the WMU Student Recreation Center is decorated with colorful lights, which, along with dimmed lighting, create reflections on the spinning wheels of the stationary bikes. The atmosphere is both calming and empowering for those attending the class, participants say.
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- Three freshmen frequently attend the group CycleFit class for their mental and physical well-being as college students. They bike and laugh together while exercising.
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- King hopes that class participants gain physical benefits from class as well as mental benefits. “I hope that they feel a sense of community and connection, encourage and empowered,” King says.
