Music bumps, kicks fly and hands whirl as Western Washington University students dance their way through a Zumba class at the Wade King Recreation Center.
Fitness classes at Western’s rec center provide a space for participants to move their bodies while surrounding themselves with peers who share a goal of staying active. A variety of classes are offered to fit many styles of movement and exercise goals including Zumba, Pilates, yoga, kickboxing, spin and weightlifting.
Physical activity is key to overall health, according to Nathan Robey, an associate professor of kinesiology at Western. Robey said the recommended baseline activity level is 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Adding this exercise into daily routines helps prevent chronic health issues such as diabetes and cardiovascular issues.
As people age, the body functions become less strong, making it harder to move and operate the same as younger individuals. By building up strength in the muscular system and bone density through resistance training, seen in exercise like Pilates and yoga, this aging process is eased, according to Robey.
“The more we can add to the system, the bigger bucket you have to draw from,” Robey said.
The classes offered at the rec are a great way to fit the recommended physical activity into a busy college schedule and are open to beginner level participants. Payton Hathaway, a first-year at Western, has attended multiple classes.
“It's really accepting to people who haven’t worked out before and want to work out. You get a lot out of the classes,” Hathaway said.
Group fitness classes can be daunting for newcomers. Hathaway said that for students who are nervous or unsure, trying them out with others can help relieve this stress. “I really like going with my friends, we make it a thing,” she said.
Western’s Assistant Director of Campus Recreation and fitness instructor, Ron Arnold, also urged those who are unsure about beginning their fitness journey to just start building up their movement levels now and incorporate exercise into their lives as much as possible.
“Sometimes the hardest thing is just getting through the front door,” he said.
These prices vary depending on the class and are lower than classes offered at private Pilates studios in Bellingham. According to the Joy Pilates and The Pilates Studio websites, memberships last around 4 weeks and range from $40 to over $200 per membership.
Arnold explained that the rec is able to charge these lower rates as they only need to bring in enough revenue to cover the costs of the instructors who teach them. Revenue garnered by the rec as a whole is split into three sections: the annual bond payment for the building itself, long-term maintenance of the facility and personnel wages and operations upkeep.
Revenue brought in from fitness classes helps cover the cost of paying the personnel who help run the facility. This allows the rec to keep prices down as well as provide a source of income for the instructors employed by campus recreation.
By choosing carefully and hiring passionate instructors, the rec is able to create a positive and satisfactory experience for those who attend.
The satisfaction from classes can also potentially garner donations from the public or alumni, according to Arnold. Creating a memorable experience through a variety of classes will make donors more likely to support the growth and upkeep of the rec. These donors allow the rec to continue to grow and maintain its ability to provide quality service and equipment.
Being physically active is a great way to ensure a healthy future. Next time you feel the need to take a brain break or simply work up a sweat, try out a rec center course.
Violet Mills (she/her) is a sports and recreation reporter for The Front. She is in her second year at Western and is a double major in journalism public relations and communication studies. When she isn't hunting down the latest news, she is usually working out at the rec center or spending time outdoors with her friends. You can reach her at violetmills.thefront@gmail.com.
