The Cleveland State University Recreation Center has been offering fall group fitness, offering more than 20 free classes every week during the fall semester. From yoga and cycling to boxing and Barre Sculpt, there’s something for every student looking to stay active and have fun.

This semester’s lineup was built around what students love most, variety. According to Laura Garvin, graduate supervisor of recreation programming, the CSU Rec team based the schedule on student feedback, attendance trends and instructor availability.

“Our goal is to always provide a variety of group fitness classes that will best meet the needs of as many students as possible,” Garvin said. “We want students to move, connect, and have fun.”

Accessibility remains at the core of the program. Since the CSU Rec opened, all group fitness classes have been free for students. “We don’t want cost to be a barrier for students to prioritize their health and wellness,” Garvin said.

Beyond physical activity, Garvin believes these classes strengthen social and emotional wellness too. “The beauty of group fitness is that it blends all different kinds of wellness,” she said. “It helps students build their social networks, boost their mood, and take care of themselves mentally and emotionally.”

Themed sessions like Spooky Spin and Pitbull Zumba add a creative twist to the semester. “Our team loves finding ways to blend fun trends and fitness,” Garvin said. “We decorate the studios, play themed music, and even dress to impress. It keeps things exciting and fresh for both new and regular participants.”

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, student participation in group fitness has been steadily growing. Garvin said the team continues to look for new ways to advertise and engage students. “Many students give positive reviews about our classes and instructors.”

Her main goal for this semester is to keep building a sense of community through fitness. “Although I now help run the program, I was once a freshman trying to find my place at CSU,” Garvin said. “Group fitness helped me make lifelong friends. I hope other students can find that same sense of connection.”

For those who haven’t joined a class yet, Garvin’s advice is simple, “Just give it a try! Our classes are non-judgmental and inclusive for all fitness levels. Bring a friend, wear something comfortable, and come ready to move and have fun. You may be surprised how much you enjoy it!”