The Valentine Health and Recreation Center offers a variety of fitness classes that students can take, for free, with their friends on campus. These classes are meant to promote student wellness and encourage students to be active.
The Valentine Center gives students the opportunity to try something new, offering exciting fitness classes like Zumba, CrossFit, Pilates, and more. Classes are offered six days a week, Monday through Saturday, with plenty of sessions throughout the day.
“We have a pretty healthy campus, but I think more importantly for everybody, it’s a break,” said Valentine Health and Recreation Center Director Elizabeth McGreevy. “It’s a way to relieve stress, a way to keep healthy, and stay healthy.”
These classes also offer students, particularly freshmen, a fun way to meet new people and find their place on campus.
Students pictured at a Thursday night spin class, with student instructor Sarah Coco.
Contributed by Sarah Coco, 26′
“We try to reach out to the freshmen or any new students because they may be comfortable in the gym and maybe they’re not comfortable yet on campus,” said McGreevy. “They can feel at home in these classes.”
These fitness classes are beneficial socially for everyone, but physically as well. Being healthy does not just mean eating right and working out. Mental health is just as important as physical health.
“Physically you’re getting stronger, getting more flexible, and staying healthy,” said McGreevy. “I think that it helps in that emotional stance too.”
Spin instructor and junior Sarah Coco teaches spin on Tuesdays from 7:30-8:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 6-7 p.m.
“I have a lot of classes on Tuesdays, and then I always feel tired, but once I get in the spin room, I get a boost of energy,” said Coco.
“Being physically active increases your mental health,” said Coco. She added that during her classes she likes to play up-beat music to bring some fun into the workout. “People get into it and I see people dancing and singing along to it, which is really amazing to see,” said Coco.
Sophomore Sofia Covello is an instructor of the Core and Restore and Strength Training classes. Covello said these classes offer students a fun way to exercise that will help them get excited about working out.
“It’s hard to find time for yourself, but with this you know it’s 45 minutes and you’re going to benefit from it. It’s fun music and you can bring all your friends, it’s just something to help you feel good after. It helps you go into your week with a better mindset,” said Covello.
For more information on classes and registration, visit https://sacredheart.dserec.com/online/dashboard and follow @healthypioneer on Instagram.
Moira Staples contributed to this article.
