In-person group health lessons resume, take steps to make sure secure expertise

Students can take a variety of group fitness classes, including TRX, a sophisticated training system that tests your strength and balance, as pictured above. Credit: Courtesy of the Department of Recreational Sports.

Group fitness classes have seen a triumphant return to personal classes, and students can now head to RPAC to practice yoga, try TRX, and test their limits in indoor cycling.

During the pandemic, fitness classes in the state of Ohio switched to a virtual format called Group Fitness LIVE, which allowed students to join classes through Zoom. Since the return of personal group fitness in March, teachers and students alike have worked to ensure that classes are not only fun, effective, and beneficial, but also safe during the pandemic.

Alice Adams, group fitness manager and outdoor yoga instructor, said her priority is to continue creating a safe atmosphere where people can move their bodies, decompress, and keep their stressors at the door.

“Group fitness is a time to focus on yourself, your well-being, your breath, your body, whatever it is,” said Adams. “We are here and we are safe so we can be together.”

Adams said there were no more restrictions beyond the standard class size and the RPAC will continue to follow the university’s COVID-19 guidelines as they change with the pandemic.

Although the daily health checks will no longer be mandatory at universities from this summer, students and teachers will still have to wear masks inside. Adams said all equipment is sanitized and cleaned before and after each group fitness class, which is a safety precaution that has been in place throughout the duration of the pandemic.

Adams said the return of group fitness made her happy and grateful that the Ohio State community can come together for an experience so many students have missed during a time of isolation and inactivity.

“Now group fitness is back, honestly, my heart is so full,” said Adams. “I’m so excited.”

Adams said the opportunity to bring group fitness back in person reminded her how many people love the energy of teaching, and she said she wanted to continue reaching students and making a difference through physical activity.

“The people we serve are the reason we do what we do,” said Adams. “We want to help the OSU community and support them to lead an active, healthy life, whatever that looks like.”

Ellen Coffey, a third year in public affairs, said despite the inconvenience of wearing a mask during physical activity, she feels safe with applicable protocols and plans to continue taking group fitness classes.

“I usually do indoor cycling or yoga, and I really love it,” said Coffey. “While wearing a mask during class can be difficult, it’s worth it and I know it’s for my safety and the safety of everyone else.”

While students, faculty, and staff continue to wear masks to protect against the virus, Coffey said the benefits of staying connected through fitness and encouraging others to do the same should outweigh the disadvantages for most people.

“I honestly think everyone should try taking a group fitness class at some point,” said Coffey. “There is something to be planned when so much is uncertain.”