Photos by Sarah Sole
Dancing, jumping, strength training, endurance, balance – patrons can find a bit of everything in the group classes offered at the Philip Heit Center for Healthy New Albany’s fitness center.
“We’ve gotten great comments on all of our instructors,” Group Exercise Coordinator Danielle Novotny says.
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The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Health and Fitness Center based the group class schedule on member feedback, and Novotny says the staff is still adjusting the schedule based on class popularity. The top three classes now are BODYPUMP, Yoga Tune Up and aquatic classes. In fact, Novotny says, in the two weeks the facility was open during December, pool classes were more popular than “land” classes were. Currently, Novotny is working on finding instructors to fill the need for additional evening and weekend classes.
With the exception of a few intermediate and advanced classes, the hour-long sessions are made to be accessible to all fitness levels. Beginners can still attend the more advanced classes, Novotny says, as long as they let the instructor know their skill levels in order to receive modifications. Weights and mats are available on site, though class attendees can also bring their own.
All the cycling classes, along with BODYPUMP and Total Body Barre Conditioning, require a sign-up 24 hours in advance, either via the front desk or phone. Individuals must sign themselves up for class.
Aqua Classes
Aqua Pilates: This is a combination of ballet, Pilates and yoga that focuses on core and balance. “It is a lower impact water class compared to some of the other ones,” Novotny says.
Go Hydro & Aqua Zen: This class is divided into two 30-minute periods. The first is a high-energy session, while the second includes yoga and tai chi. Both activities are conducted in the pool.
H20 Bootcamp: High-intensity interval training (HITT) is included in this intermediate level class.
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Cardio Endurance Classes
Cardio Dance: This is designed to be a fun class featuring all sorts of dance music. The class is a great way to burn calories, Novotny says, because it focuses on cardiovascular fitness. This is a higher intensity level than the hip-hop class.
Cardio Kickboxing: This interval, cardio-based class includes kickboxing, high-intensity drills and plyometric movements. Participants use their own body weight to burn calories and perform many arm movements, Novotny says. The class sometimes incorporates hip-hop moves or music.
Hip-Hop: This class combines various street dance styles of hip-hop from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Moves include popping, locking and breakdancing.
Step: A step aerobics class that emulates the classes popular in the early 80s, this class includes choreographed step routines with a platform. The focus is on body sculpting, and weights and jump ropes are used.
Zumba Fitness: This class strives to have a party-like atmosphere, Novotny says. It features Latin-inspired music and dances such as salsa and Merengue. “People have a really great time,” she says.
Indoor Cycling Classes
Advanced Cycle: This class is designed for those who have been cycling for at least one year. Many attendees have participated in triathlons or other biking challenges. “We can give them a little bit more intensity,” Novotny says. Classes feature interval training with different speeds, and the settings are designed to simulate outdoor terrain.
Cycle: This basic cycle class includes intervals of strength and cardiovascular training and is for those who are new to cycling.
Powerhouse Cycle: A bit harder than the cycle class, though not considered an advanced class, Powerhouse Cycle features interval, strength and endurance training. Strength is developed in the lower legs and also in the core. Participants are encouraged to push themselves physically. “It’s intense, but it’s all levels,” Novotny says.
Total Body Cycle: Even though this course focuses on arms as well as legs, those new to cycling can attend, Novotny says. At different intervals light weights are incorporated while cycling to strengthen and tone the upper body. “People have really enjoyed that class,” Novotny says.
Mind/Body Classes
Gentle Yoga: This class takes advantage of floor and standing poses focusing on relaxation, breathing and flexibility. “It’s really kind of Yoga 101,” Novotny says.
Total Body Barre Conditioning: Based on ballet and Pilates, movements in this class focus on strengthening and stretching the muscles through isolated movements and core work at the barre and on the mat. Light weights and resistance bands are also incorporated.
Pilates Mat: Stability, strength, flexibility and balance are the focus for this class, which uses precise and concentrated movements. “This is a really good strengthening and stretching class, mostly done on the floor,” Novotny says.
Vinyasa Yoga: This advanced class is recommended for those who have more experience with yoga. However, beginners can attend and receive modifications from the instructor. Athletic-style poses challenge participants’ balance and strength.
Yoga Tune Up: Combining movements from classic yoga and body therapy, this class is designed to tone, stretch and strengthen while developing, regenerating and healing damaged muscle tissue.
Strength/Muscular Endurance Classes
BODYPUMP: This strength training class uses light to moderate weights with barbells. A full-body workout is achieved through many repetitions.
Bootcamp: This full-body workout with interval training focuses on strength-building and cardiovascular activity. Equipment can be used, though attendees can also just use their own body weight. The class is designed to give military-style training in a way that’s accessible to a variety of fitness levels.
HITT: This class consists of alternating periods of short, intense anaerobic exercise followed by less intense recovery periods. The intense periods get smaller each round, and the intensity increases as time goes on. Lunges, squats and plyometric activities can be featured, along with floor work such as planks.
Fit for Life: Though it is low-intensity, this class is designed to be appropriate for all fitness levels and helps improve functional strength, balance and coordination.
Functional Fitness: This class includes low-intensity standing exercises to improve mobility, flexibility and stamina. The class also teaches basic strength training.
More class information is available at www.healthandfitness.osu.edu.
Sarah Sole is an assistant editor. Feedback welcome at ssole@cityscememediagroup.com.
