McNiff Classes Provide Fun Ways to Get Fit

Spinning is a workout on a stationary cycling bike which are meant to mimic a real outdoor ride with mountains, flat roads and rolling hills. Bottled water and hand towels are required to ride. | Universidad Europa de Madrid/Flickr.com

Can’t stand one more minute on that elliptical? Well, not to worry.

There are numerous fitness classes here at the University of Tampa that are sure to get your butt in gear this spring.

There are about 12 instructors — a mix of students and faculty — at the McNiff Fitness Center that have a passion for fitness and the ability to keep you motivated.

The two most popular classes are “hardcore” and spinning, so make sure to arrive early in order to reserve a spot for these.

Hardcore is a quick, core-focused strength-training session for abs, back and butt.

This is a great way to tone up that beach body in only 25 minutes.

Spinning is a workout on the stationary cycling bikes, meant to mimic a real outdoor ride with mountains, flat roads and rolling hills that will be fine tuned to meet your fitness level.

You must arrive 20 minutes prior to the class in order to receive a bike pass and heart monitor strap.

Bottled water and hand towels are required to participate in this sweat-breaking ride.

This year has brought a variety of new classes, allowing for suitability to the individual.

Kettlebells is a quick, intense cardio and strength workout that really moves the upper and lower body.

This high-energy class is an absolute blast, but not quite as entertaining as Zumba.

Learn to dance Latin-style with Zumba, as Latin, hip hop music and dance fuse together for a dynamic fitness class.

The routines combine fast and slow rhythms that tone, sculpt and inspire students to come back for more.

New to UT this semester are “lean legs” and “above the belt.”

Lean legs is a 45-minute class that will shape and tone your legs, tush and tummy better than any SKECHERS Shape-ups.

Using a variety of equipment and body weight, participants squat, lunge, lift and jump into strong, lean legs.

After a short warm up, above the belt will work the entire upper body to give you beautifully toned arms, better posture and a stronger core. Feel free to stay after for the hardcore abs class that follows.

The Spartan Slimdown is a 13-week fitness and wellness program designed to provide a safe, effective and fun way for students to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle through exercise, education and behavior modification.

All students at UT are given the opportunity to work out in a comfortable, judgment-free environment with the help of professional and peer support.

These participants must be dedicated to making a lifestyle change by committing to regular physical activity and healthy eating habits.

For those who are looking to relax the mind, body and spirit, don’t miss out on the yoga and meditation classes that McNiff has to offer.

“Meditation for the Mind and Body” at Sykes Chapel allows participants to practice being “in the moment,” and includes breathing exercises to reduce stress and gentle stretching to reduce aches and pains.

Motivational Meditation, on the other hand, is a 30-minute group session designed to motivate and challenge the student by focusing on a goal to accomplish.

This class incorporates stretching, various sitting positions and moderate movement.

“Yoga for Stress Relief” is a great way to soothe frayed nerves, while boosting mood and energy levels and getting the mind and body to work in harmony.

For those who prefer yoga in the outdoors, bring a towel to Plant Park to practice a series of yoga postures and breath control.

“Power Yoga” is an Ashtanga style power class that will be a challenging exploration of sun salutations, standing postures, balancing and deep stretching through constant movement.

Pilates, which is designed to use the body’s “powerhouse,” strengthens and tones the abdominal muscles, lower back, arms and legs. Similar to yoga, this class improves flexibility, while encouraging steady breathing as the body works as one.

Tracy Berbenich, the student coordinator at McNiff, said, “I think that our classes have a lot to offer.

The variety allows each individual to find his or her niche. From Zumba to Kettlebells, every student has the opportunity to exercise in an environment that is best suitable to his or her needs and desires.”

There are numerous classes that have not been mentioned in this article, but you are encouraged to review them on the Fitness Schedule at ut.edu/mcniff.

So next time you want to spice things up, head on down to McNiff Fitness Center for a class that will really keep you going.

Carolyn Hatch can be reached at cvhatch@spartans.ut.edu.