Campus Rec fitness classes see increased participation

by ADAM BRITTON

Staff Writer

UMW’s student fitness instructors have seen a recent surge in class participation. 

“We definitely saw an influx of people at the beginning of the spring semester as a result of New Year’s Resolutions,” said Payton Jones, a junior psychology major and fitness instructor.

The University of Mary Washington Department of Campus Recreation hosts fitness classes throughout the week, including yoga, cycling, barre and power circuit, which Jones teaches. She says that attendance is difficult to predict because of students’ varying schedules, but that she has between five and 10 regulars. 

“Many people don’t exercise as a result of the intimidation of going into a gym and having to program their own knowledge,” Jones said. “Group fitness classes take that stress away and open the opportunity for people to exercise in a community fashioned way that helps you meet new people and stay accountable.”

According to Director of Campus Recreation Michael Middleton, participation rates have been steadily rising following a drastic dip during the COVID-19 pandemic that halted many on-campus activities. 

“We have seen an increase in engagement since 2020 when we had the big sort of drop-off due to the limitations and restrictions centered around the coronavirus,” he said. 

To further encourage participation, fitness classes during the first week of each semester are free. After the first week, students can purchase a single semester pass for $15 that provides full access to the range of classes offered, or a year-long pass for $25 that covers the entire academic year.

“We are engaging students consistently, and there is very rarely a time in which we currently have nobody showing up for a class,” Middleton said.

Middleton says that his department’s goal is to cater to different preferences and encourage more students to get involved in physical activities. With at least two classes available each day, Campus Recreation aims to provide opportunities for students to find a class that fits their schedule and interests. 

“We try to provide a wide variety of opportunities for students to get engaged with,” said Middleton. 

Hannah Holstrom, a sophomore English major, has participated in several of the fitness class options offered, and keeps going back because she has found her favorite classes and instructors. 

“Maya that teaches the stretch and flow is super nice, and I really like the music she plays during class,” Holstrom said. “She has a set routine that she does during class that’s very good.”

Holstrom said the instructors and fellow attendees created a positive atmosphere that made even beginners feel comfortable. 

“I liked how a lot of people were going and talking to each other and everyone was super nice there,” she said. 

Classes are available for both students and UMW staff and Campus Recreation encourages all skill levels to participate. 

“There truly is a class for everyone and all people are welcome,” said Jones.

To further boost engagement, the Campus Recreation organizes special events throughout the semester. One such event is the “Love Yourself First” group fitness sampler, scheduled for Feb. 13, right before Valentine’s Day. 

“It will be completely free, and students can come through and attend different group fitness classes with us,” Middleton explained. 

The event features 20-minute classes from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the fitness center, providing a taste of the various fitness offerings.

These events are designed to attract new participants who may not have engaged with the fitness programs before. 

“Students who may not have engaged before might come to that event, take one of the classes offered in the sampler, and then decide that they want to continue taking the regular schedule class for the rest of the semester,” Middleton said. 

Emma Kingkeo contributed to reporting for this article.