Let’s be honest: the Herbert Wellness Center can be an intimidating place. Whether it be the mounds of aggressive-looking dumbbells lining the walls or witnessing people bench double your weight, the campus gym can be scary. If you prefer a less intimidating, communal-style workout or just need a change from the conventional gym flow, fitness classes at the Wellness Center offer a great alternative.
Twenty-six free fitness classes are offered at Herbert Wellness Center, ranging from standard classes, such as cycling or yoga, to more unique classes like “Core to Floor” or “Glute Camp.” With this much variety, there’s surely something for everyone to enjoy.
Senior Emi Tran loves the fun, vigorous pace of the classes she’s attended.
“I like the classes because of the instructors and the atmosphere,” she said. “You get to work out with other people and that’s very motivating.”
Students of all fitness levels are welcome in every class, which are made with the core purpose of providing engaging workouts in a fresh, exciting way.
“I would totally recommend any class to my friends because any kind of fitness and activity is good for your body,” said Tran. “It’s also fun when you get to do it with other people.”
Herbert Wellness Center instructor Andrea Ceballos described her Zumba class as a “Latin-inspired class that’s great for shedding lots of calories.” However, her Pound Rockout Workout class is a full-body cardio jam session where you get to “rock out to great music as you become the star of your own band as the lead drummer,” said Ceballos.
Catch Ceballos’ Zumba classes on Mondays at 6 p.m. and her Pound Rockout Workout classes on Mondays at 7:15 p.m. and Wednesdays at 5 p.m.
The Wellness Center offers plenty of yoga classes for those looking for some much needed rest and relaxation. Yoga and meditation instructor, Adriana Moreno Zarate, said her classes are “vigorous and challenging — guided toward self-discovery and self-care.”
“We take time to welcome ourselves and to prepare the body and mind for the practice, warming up with several salutations followed by a series of standing poses such as warrior and balancing poses,” said Zarate.
Classes end with around 10 minutes of lying on the floor for “final profound relaxation,” said Zarate. “Everything is done with mindful awareness.”
For a more hands-on approach to fitness, the wellness center offers a variety of smaller, more individualized classes for affordable prices. Test your balance and core strength with six or 10-week Pilates classes offered to students for $70–120, or try your hand at Tai Chi for only $45 per six sessions.
No matter your style, you’re sure to get a good sweat-sesh while having a great time. Just visit https://wellness.miami.edu — or the UM Wellness app — and click the “Group Fitness Registration” tab. Choose your desired class, sign in with your CaneLink credentials and register for a slot. It’s that easy.
words_kaya langley. photo_lizzie kristal. design_laurie vuong.
This article was published in Distraction’s Spring 2023 print issue.