Fitness classes: kickin’ it into shape, with FUN!

For college students, finding the time to work out is tough, but exercise is crucial in keeping a healthy body.

Studio 3: home to Body Pump, 6-Pack Abs, Cardio Kickboxing, & more...

This article from Daily Health says that exercising just 15 minutes a day now can increase your lifespan by three years! It’s important to stay fit now, especially during these years when we are, perhaps, toughest on our bodies.

Fortunately, most college campuses (like Cal Poly) have gyms for students to utilize. And, if you’re lucky, they’ll also have fitness classes, which make working out ten times more fun.

CC&H threw on some Nikes and ran over to Cal Poly’s Rec Center to chat with work out guru Anika Wong, fitness instructor and total bamf. Wong is a senior Environmental Engineering major at Cal Poly, and has been teaching fitness classes for eight years (first certified when she was only 15 years old, nbd). She has taught over a dozen types of fitness classes, including kickboxing, Body Pump, 6-Pack Abs, Butts & Guts, and Ripped.

Check out this blog post and audio interview with Wong, created by a fellow Cal Poly blogger.

From spin to yoga to cardio kickboxing to zumba, there's bound to be class just for you at your rec center!

Wong says the key to staying healthy really is exercise.

“I know everyone says you have to eat healthy to be healthy, but I love my carbs. And it’s harder to eat healthy in college,” Wong admits. “I really think you can eat what you want, as long as you’re willing to work your body hard enough to work it off.”

Wong recommends fitness classes to anyone who thinks going to the gym is boring or doesn’t like working out. She swears by her fitness classes, for getting in shape, but also for releasing stress from school.

Girls practice their jabs during one of Anika's cardio kickboxing classes!

“It keeps you healthy and happy. Exercising will set you up for better health and stronger bones in later years after college, and it can help you sleep and keep a healthy body while in college,” says Wong. “Fitness classes also give you a sense of community on campus. I love my regular fitness class participants.”

Brenna Driscoll is a SLO native and another hot-bodied Cal Poly Rec Center fitness instructor, teaching Body Pump and 6-Pack Abs. She says the key to getting in shape is enjoying your workout, which is why fitness classes are so successful.

You just don't mess with these girls...

Driscoll says that the best part about fitness classes is that it’s easy to get hooked and stick with them, since the biggest challenge of getting in shape is making fitness part of your routine.

“There’s loud music and a big group of people all doing the same routine and having a good time while getting in shape,” Driscoll says. “It motivates you to work harder and keep coming back for more.”

Bailey Randall, a sophomore Cal Poly City & Regional Planning major, says that fitness classes at the rec center have become her favorite daily work out.

“I have my weekly schedule of classes that I attend regularly, and I love that the classes progress throughout the quarter,” Randall says. “As the classes get more advanced, I can see results and feel myself getting stronger. The instructors really motivate you to push your limits and work hard.”

Waiting for class to start!

Wong and Driscoll both say that their classes are perfect for both beginners and regulars, and they’re always excited to see a new face in class. Fitness classes are the perfect way to stay fit, and have fun while doing it.

They both also shared the same fitness secret: EAT!

Wong and Driscoll said that the best part of working out is nom noming afterwards, which actually helps your body to burn more fat and repair muscle, making you ultimately leaner and stronger. This article from Fitness Magazine gives some great post work out snack ideas!

This way for fitness and fun!

Fun Facts

• Wong’s Fave Work Out Song: Wynter Gordon – Dirty Talk
• Driscoll’s Fave Healthy Snack: apples and peanut butter (here’s a link to a cool recipe that gives a twist to the classic combo!)
• Both Wong and Driscoll love hiking with friends for a fun, outta the gym work out!

Driscoll hiking with the bf!