Nina Sasson gets ready to take one of the many fitness classes that Koret has to offer. Photo by Matt Steinbach/Foghorn
Would you rather exercise alone, running on a treadmill, or with a group of fellow students dancing or stretching in a fun atmosphere? Both options are available at the Koret Gym. For me, the group exercise classes are the main reason I make it a priority to go to Koret four times per week.
And I’m not the only one. “I like the camaraderie and support of a class,” says Ashley Van Noy, a USF senior. USF students encourage each other in all of the group exercise classes at Koret. If you haven’t tried one yet, what are you waiting for?
Here is a list of the 5 best group exercise classes to take at Koret:
5. Zumba
Ditch the workout and join the party! This class fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy to follow moves to create a dynamic fitness program that will blow you away. Zumba is an aerobic fitness program created by a Miami-based dancer and choreographer. Classes use music based on salsa, merengue, cumbia, reggaeton, calypso, soca, samba, African, cha cha, hip hop and other music. It’s a great class to take if you dislike standard exercise routines and is a fabulous way to burn some calories by dancing the night away!
4. Hatha Flow
This class begins with an energizing blend of stretching, strengthening and balancing yoga poses, followed by seated, therapeutic and restorative stretches. Flow yoga, also known as Vinyasa, is a form of yoga which follows a series of poses (known as asanas) joined together to create a smooth pattern called a flow. Each position held by the body is joined through rhythmic breathing. Altogether, flow yoga creates strength and energy in the body. This is a perfect class to take to de-stress from school and work and is challenging enough to get a bit of a sweat. Hatha Flow yoga is extremely beneficial for the mind, body, and helps tone your core and lower body.
3. Abs and Glutes
This 30 minute power class targets the lower body and core. This workout incorporates free weights, Body Bars and your own body weight to firm and trim. It is curcuit-traning style class that is extremely fast-paced and intense. This is a perfect class for you if you don’t have tons of time to work-out, but you want to some strength training.
2. Cardio Kick
A high-intensity, total body workout with elements of martial arts and boxing combined to give you a “power” workout. This class gives you the opportunity to achieve all your fitness goals. You can burn an amazing 800 calories in this one hour martial arts based workout. It addresses three major training elements to optimal health: Cardiovascular, Strength and Flexibility. The class is a great way to manage stress and condition your body as you kick and punch. Improve your core strength with boot camp style sit ups and pushups. Tone muscles and build strength as you are challenged with the weight training portion. The roundhouse kicks and squats work your lower body like no other, while the twists and punching do wonders for your upper body. Don’t miss this fantastic class that is great for your figure, but does wonders for stress and aggression!
1. Spin
This exhilarating program simulates the outdoor biking experience using fixed stationary bicycles in an indoor setting. This workout combines basic, rhythmic and athletic cycling drills with guided focus and motivation to create an outstanding cardiovascular workout! Spinning is an aerobic exercise that gets your heart pumping the sweat dripping. As you pedal, to the best hip-hop jams out there, the instructors talk you through a visualization of an outdoor workout. During the class you vary your pace — sometimes pedaling as fast as you can, other times cranking up the tension and pedaling slowly from a standing position. This helps you to focus inwardly and work on your mind as well as your body. Spinning burns serious calories (about 450 in 45 minutes) and offers an awesome aerobic workout that makes your heart pump fast. It also tones your quadriceps (front thigh muscles) and outer thigh muscles like nobody’s business! Because you stay in one place with the same basic movement throughout, Spinning doesn’t involve a lot of coordination; it’s easier to concentrate on your form than in other types of aerobic classes. And although you follow the general instructions of the spinning teacher, you are in control when it comes to your pace. You can finish a spin class, regardless of your fitness level, simply by adjusting your pace or the tension knob on the bike.
Last 5 posts by Nina Sasson
- USFtv Sports Provides a Unique and Exciting Perspective on USF Athletics - December 5th, 2009
September 15th, 2010 at 1:48 am
I can recommend Zumba, its a great way to shape up and have lots of fun too!
September 29th, 2010 at 7:25 am
Nice post I really enjoy reading I learn a lot from this. Thank you so much for the post.
October 3rd, 2010 at 3:58 pm
I like the zumba also… Moving all your body to shape up and can learn more dance moves. And it’s more fun to exercise with a group of people, to do some laughing and chatting in break time, exercise for the face also :)
October 11th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
Very Interesting.
Thank you for the post.
October 19th, 2010 at 7:32 pm
Alot of people find working out in groups to be great motivation. Zumba is a fun way to get fit. Thanks for the post.
October 21st, 2010 at 12:13 am
Best way to be physical fit is exercise and balanced diet!
December 19th, 2010 at 7:01 pm
Exercising in groups like doing Zumba can be very motivating.
December 20th, 2010 at 6:02 pm
Zumba is a great way to exercise. Fast weight loss too…i love it!
December 26th, 2010 at 3:44 pm
Zumba is great for keeping my heart pumping!
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:54 pm
Zumba is a fantastic work out. Being in a group really motivates me.
March 3rd, 2011 at 11:18 am
I am an advocate for Spining. Other than that I enjoy sprints, on summer evenings.
I also must admit I kind of enjoy ZUmba also.
March 12th, 2011 at 11:59 am
I just love to walk. I do it everyday
March 14th, 2011 at 12:34 pm
Zumba Zumba ZUmba, only the name tells all about it.
I can’t try it one time and wanting to do it again.(my case) :)
March 15th, 2011 at 10:33 pm
Definitely Zumba or P90X! I really enjoyed your site. Keep up the good job on your site! Thanks for sharing! Bookmark for future reference!
March 30th, 2011 at 2:20 pm
Thanks for the information, that was a very insightful read. Thanks for sharing.
April 6th, 2011 at 12:20 pm
I’ve never been to the Zumba class…but everyone I have spoken to loves it! I have more exercise equipment at home than I’ll ever need, so I default to solitary workouts instead of groups and classes.
April 17th, 2011 at 7:00 pm
I must admit that Zumba is a great exercise program! I’ve bought dozens of DVD fitness programs, but this is the first one I’ve stayed with .
April 18th, 2011 at 10:43 pm
Great and full of useful and interesting data for all.Like this post!I really appreciated it.God bless you.
April 20th, 2011 at 1:59 am
fitness is a lifestyle
May 4th, 2011 at 4:20 am
Hey,
Thanks for your personal marvelous posting! I seriously enjoyed reading it, you will be a great author.I will be sure to bookmark your blog and will eventually come back sometime soon. I want to encourage you continue your great job, have a nice day!..
wooden play kitchens
June 22nd, 2011 at 4:48 pm
It only goes to show where theres will theres a way. Keep on trying. Reader, suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.
June 24th, 2011 at 7:55 pm
This is a good approach to what, for some, may be a controversial topic. Very well though out post. Man a figment of Gods imagination.
June 27th, 2011 at 11:37 pm
Zumba All the way!
Zumba rocks !
August 3rd, 2011 at 6:18 am
Hopefully what is done by Nina can also be done by the others. In addition to making them become healthier, doing activities in groups makes people more eager to undergo the activity.
August 28th, 2011 at 8:44 am
hello admin this is a good and informative articles.. dont forget to visit my blogs about review diet pills okay c u there ;)
November 5th, 2011 at 11:10 pm
Nice article. Keeping exercise fun is one of the key things to getting it started and completed. You have done just that. Thanks for the info.
May 24th, 2012 at 1:46 am
You completed a number of nice points there. I did a search on the issue and found nearly all people will have the same opinion with your blog.
September 26th, 2012 at 8:27 pm
Have you thought about introducing some differing thoughts to the short article? I think it will actually greatly enhance everyone’s comprehension.