Students get in shape with new fitness classes

Students may have noticed various e-mails concerning the new fitness classes St. John Fisher College is now offering in yoga, Pilates and kickboxing - but what inspired this to happen?

"I am on the Student Affairs Committee. We were at a dinner meeting, and the students expressed their desire for fitness classes to be included in their student experience," Todd Harrison, Sport Management professor and organizer of these activities said.

Students have wanted fitness classes to be offered at Fisher for a while. Some were surprised that they were not.

"I was shocked when I found out Fisher didn't provide this kind of service, but I am very excited that it is now offered," freshman Brittany Fitsik said. "I will definitely be taking advantage of it."

Fitsik isn't the only one who is grateful for this opportunity. According to Harrison, the student response has been very positive overall. Kickboxing has seen the most initial interest, with participation in other classes increasing.

Harrison is "pleased with the response. It shows that the student body has interest in these sorts of activities."

Due to positive response, Harrison has an encouraging outlook on the program.

"I've heard buzz on campus - very encouraging," he said. "This is definitely not a one-semester initiative."

Kickboxing classes are every Monday and Thursday night from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Yoga is held every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. and Friday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Pilates classes take place beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday evenings, lasting until 7:30 p.m., as well as Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The cost of attendance is $1 for students and $3 for faculty/staff if signed up prior to the class and $2 for students and $5 for faculty at the door. Students and faculty can sign up for classes between 4 p.m. and midnight in the Campus Center.

Classes are held in the basement of the FishBowl and are sponsored by the Sport Management Department, World Gym in Pittsford and the Brockport Dance Department.

As published in the Cardinal Courier, St. John Fisher College