The Kesler Student Activities Center (KSAC) group exercise classes have returned to campus for the spring 2022 session.
The group exercise classes offered in the KSAC include water aerobics, HIIT/strength training, zumba, barre, yoga and X-FIT.
Water aerobics classes are led by Kay Keller, a university student counseling therapist, and take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30-6 p.m. and cost $45 for unlimited classes from now until March 18.
Water aerobics provides cardiovascular conditioning and strengthens the body as well, due to water resistance. It is suitable for people of all ages.
Water aerobics requires less joint strain and improves overall fitness quickly Kelle Maloney, Taylor University’s KSAC director, said.
HIIT, which stands for High Intensity Interval Training, combines periods of lower intensity workouts and rest with high intensity bursts. These exercises are intended to boost metabolism and help build muscle.
The strength and HIIT classes are taught by Trish Richards, instructor, and cost $65 total for now up until March 18 and take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 5:30-6:30 a.m.
Zumba classes, which occur on Tuesday nights, are purchased in a package with barre classes, which are on Thursday nights. These classes are also taught by Richards. Both are from 4:45-5:45 p.m. and the total cost to attend both up until March 18 is $45.
Zumba mixes international and latin music in a high energy environment.
“Zumba moves between high and low intensity beats of salsa, flamenco and merengue music designed to get your heart rate up,” Maloney said.
Barre classes, on the other hand, are slightly lower impact classes that help improve flexibility while toning and strengthening the body. These classes also contain elements of yoga, pilates and ballet.
Yoga classes are taught by Natalie Bussell, Taylor’s admissions visit coordinator, and cost $45 total for unlimited classes from now until March 18 and take place at 5:15 p.m. on Mondays and 10 a.m. on Saturdays.
“(Yoga) focuses on strength, flexibility and breathing through a series of movements designed to encourage relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety,” Maloney said.
X-FIT, a high-intensity strength and conditioning workout, takes place Monday through Friday at 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. and costs $75 total to attend all classes through March 18. X-FIT has two instructors, Scott Oleson, a Taylor admissions counselor, and senior Makenna Kregel.
Maloney describes X-FIT as a workout program that integrates cardio, lifting and mobility training all in one.
According to Maloney, the morning classes typically have more Upland community members than students. However, night classes generally draw more students in than community members.
The KSAC accepts cash, check or charge cards. Classes can be paid for prior to attending one’s first class at the KSAC front desk.
The KSAC hours are the same as last semester, being open from 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding chapel service hours. It is also open 7 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturdays and 2.-10 p.m. on Sundays.
Eichling pool hours can be found on www.taylor.edu or through signs posted in the KSAC.
For more information, contact klmaloney@taylor.edu.
