Group Fitness

Welcome to the Fitness Programs' Group Fitness Class (GX) page where you get the most up-to-date information on our current classes.

• Fall 2008 Schedule
• Specialty Class Information
• Free Classes
• Group Fitness Instructor Bios
• Group Fitness and Mind/Body Class Fees
• Instructor Evaluation
• Group Fitness Class Descriptions

Fall 2008 - Class Schedule

October 1 - December 5, 2008 Downloadable version - Fall 2008 Schedule

Class Cancellations - Week of Oct 13

• 10/13/08 - Cardio Kickboxing - 8:30 9.m. (Due to Midterm Break)
• 10/14/08 - Yoga Fundamentals - 8:00 a.m. (Due to Midterm Break)
• Move and Groove (Mondays 9:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.) due to lack of participants.
• Dynamic Definition at 12:00 p.m. and Mind Body Sampler at 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays due to lack of participants.

FREE CLASSES:

We've added FREE morning Yoga classes for the rest of the semester (through Dec 5) Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:00 a.m.

The Weekend Warrior Series has been rescheduled. We have scheduled a one day Cutting and Jumping Sports and Endurance Sports Information Session October 18th. Refer to the Specialty Programs Page for details.

Please refer back to this site for any updates or class cancellations.

All classes are held at the Gymnasium Building in one of the locations indicated below:

Classes in blue are held in the Pool.
Classes in black are held in the Activities Room.
Classes in green are held in the East Gym.

Updated Oct 13, 2008 - 11:30 a.m.

TIME	MON	TUES	WED	THURS	FRI	SAT
7:30 a.m.	Yoga + 60 Min (Peter)		Yoga + 60 Min (Peter)		Yoga + 60 Min (Peter)
8:00 a.m.		Yoga Fundamentals 10/14/08 (FREE) 60 Min (Benjamin)		Yoga Fundamentals (FREE) 60 Min (Benjamin)
11:00 a.m.	Aqua Aerobics 50 Min (Edward)		Aqua Aerobics 50 Min (Edward)		Aqua Aerobics 50 Min (Edward)
12:10 p.m.	Fit to Move 40 Min (Ian)	Vinyasa Yoga + 50 Min (Meg) Total Athletic Conditioning 50 Min (AJ)	Fit to Move 40 Min (Ian)	Vinyasa Yoga + 50 Min (Meg) Total Athletic Conditioning 50 Min (AJ)	Fit to Move 40 Min (Ian)	Dynamic Definition 60 Min Class Starts at 12:00pm
1:00 p.m.						Mind Body Sampler 60 Min
4:45 p.m.		Core Training 30 Min (AJ)		Butts and Guts 30 Min (Larry)
5:15 p.m.	Basic Mat Pilates + 60 Min(Cynthia)		Intermediate Mat Pilates with Ball + 60 Min (Cynthia)	Cardio Kickboxing 60 Min (Larry)	Intermediate Mat Pilates + 60 Min (Cynthia)
5:30 p.m.		Whole Body Moves 50 Min (Sharon) Aqua Aerobics 60 Min (Michelle P)		Aqua Aerobics 60 Min (Michelle P)
6:15 p.m.				Move and Groove 60 Min
8:00 p.m.	Butts and Guts 30 Min (Larry)		Dynamic Definition 30 Min
8:30 p.m.	Cardio Kickboxing 10/13/08 60 Min (Larry)		Cardio Step 60 Min
9:30 p.m.	Move and Groove 60 Min

+ Denotes classes that require Mind/Body Passes. See 'Fees' below.

Fall/Spring Fees

Group Fitness Classes				Mind/Body Classes +
	Students **	Faculty/Staff Alumni/Community			Students **	Faculty/Staff Alumni/Community
One Class	$4.00	$5.00		Two Classes	$15.00	$20.00
Ten Classes	$35.00	$40.00		Ten Classes	$65.00	$90.00
Twenty Classes	$60.00	$70.00		Twenty Classes	$120.00	$170.00
Unlimited	$120.00	$160.00		Unlimited	$180.00	$260.00
Providing the ultimate flexibility, these passes are valid only to Recreation Center members and are good for the current semester only. Passes can be used for any traditional group fitness class. (excluding Mind Body classes). These passes cannot be used for workshops or specialty classes				Mind/Body Classes includes all pilates and yoga classes on the regular group fitness schedule. These passes cannot be used for workshops or specialty classes.

** Students may be asked to show verification of student status.

How to Participate

To attend a class, please stop by the Operations Desk, just inside the Rec Center front doors on the right. Purchase a single, multiple, or unlimited class pass and your ticket to fitness is in your hands.

Questions concerning the Group Fitness Program may be addressed by calling the Assistant Director for Fitness at (713) 348-5765 or by e-mail to fitness [at] rice.edu

• All classes require a minimum of 3 participants.
• The Recreation Center is not responsible for lost or stolen passes.
• Passes are valid for the current semester only.

Class Descriptions

Classes offered each semester will vary, based on instructor availability and member interest.
Listed in alphabetical order by class type.

Aerobic and Cardio

Aqua Aerobics

A complete low impact cardiovascular toning, flexibility, and strengthening, workout in both shallow and deep water using flotation belts and hand weights. A great way to get fit without pain to joints, knees, or back. Floatation devices are provided. No swimming skills necessary.

Cardio Kickboxing

This is an intense cardio aerobic class that utilizes the fundamentals of boxing and kickboxing. Cardio Kickboxing suits any fitness level. Beginning to advanced modification will be offered.

Fit to Move

This workout offers you safe, high-intensity, low-impact intervals, muscle conditioning, and a relaxing cool down all in one class! A true head to toe workout that is sure to improve your strength, stamina, balance and coordination.

Move and Groove

Move and Groove is a hip hop inspired group fitness class where you can workout, learn some great dance moves, and have a spectacular time! No dance experience necessary.

Pure Step

Bringing back the classic! Nothing but step combinations in a cardio class that offers variety, intensity, and energy! Get steppin'!

T.A.C. (Total Athletic Conditioning)

We'll run. We'll do push ups, dips, squat thrusts and more. You'll challenge your whole body with agility, speed, and power drills. The workout will get your heart pumping, get your muscles burning, and leave you begging for more. It's best to do a 5-10 minute warm up on your own before this class due to time constraints.

Sculpting and Toning

Butts and Guts

Want to firm up? Then get in here! Exercise for abs and gluteus maximus are the primary exercises. Additional exercises for legs and lower back are included. No warm up included so be ready to work!

Core Training

This class will focus on training the muscles you need most for stability and an over all strong and toned body. You will work the abdominals, lower back, hips and glutes. The workout in this class will improve sport performance, general fitness, and leave you feeling great.

Dynamic Definition

Sculpt and define every muscle group with the use of resistance bands, bodybars, glide disks, and dumbbells. This non-cardio total body workout focuses on gradual resistance while conditioning one muscle group at a time. This workout is ideal for everyone since participants select their own resistance.

Fit to Move

This 60-minute workout offers you safe, high-intensity, low-impact intervals, muscle conditioning, and a relaxing cool down all in one class! A true head to toe workout that is sure to improve your strength, stamina, balance and coordination.

Mind and Body Inspired Classes

+ Denotes classes that require Mind/Body Passes. See 'Fees' above.

Basic Mat Pilates+

Condition the mind and body to strengthen the body's core unit. Series of mat work exercises will help to develop strength, flexibility and better body coordination while improving body alignment, and creating balance for more efficient movement. This class will be taught at a beginning level. Students with little or no Pilates experience will be able to learn the principles of the Pilates method as well as the basic set of exercises. This class is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed.

Intermediate Mat Pilates+

Condition the mind and body to strengthen the body's core unit. Series of mat work exercises will help to develop strength, flexibility and better body coordination while improving body alignment, and creating balance for more efficient movement. Classes will be at an intermediate level—but without stability balls—with the focus being on the flow, moving seamlessly from exercise to exercise while practicing the principles of Pilates: concentration, control, precision, breathing, and centering.

Intermediate Mat Pilates with Ball+

The stability ball adds a new dimension to your Pilates mat workout. Having to utilize continuously the deep core muscles to balance on the ball will increase body alignment, coordination, and muscular control. The goals of mat Pilates—to lengthen and strengthen muscles, to improve posture and balance, to utilize breathing for concentration and facilitation, and to create stamina and energy—are enhanced through the use of the stability ball. This class is recommended for the client who is familiar with the various Pilates mat exercises and is able to engage the core muscles as stabilizers.

Mind Body Sampler

Each week sample a taste of the mind body connection through physical activity in this class. Aspects of yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, and more will be used week to week.

Whole Body Moves

Experience the freedom of movement influenced by the fitness form known as Nia, an elegant fusion of yoga, Tai Chi, martial arts, core stabilization and dance. Begin with warm, open, flowing moves that melt away tension. Move on to power moves that strengthen and tone, and mix it up with multi-cultural joy of movement. End with a soothing blend of yoga, Tai Chi, and creative modern dance. When you finish you will feel cleansed, fit and refreshed with calm yet vitalized energy.

Yoga Fundamentals

Completely new to yoga? Experience this class as an introduction to the benefits of focused breathing, attention to posture, and a mind body connection. Students will be taught the basics of breathing and alignment which will instill confidence for practice in other yoga classes. This class is offered free for Fall 2008.

Yoga+

Designed to enhance physical, emotional and mental health, the class offers physical exercises to improve flexibility and strength as well as breathing and relaxation exercises to potentially reduce stress, enhance concentration and self-awareness.

Vinyasa Yoga+

This class combines meditation and classic hatha postures linked into a flowing sequence. The practice of continuous movement builds flexibility, strength and stability through a variety of standing, supine, prone, sitting and inverted asanas.

Classes offered in previous semesters

If you see a class below that you would like us to offer again, tell us.

Bi's and Tri's

Wake up your body! 30 minutes focused on strengthening and firming the upper body. Chest/Back/Shoulders/Bi's and Tri's – We'll hit it ALL!!!

Body Blast

A high intensity blast for your body! This class incorporates all the essentials into one powerful workout. Come experience a blast your body won't soon forget.

Cardio Jazz

These powerfully fun and effective workouts will lift your spirits and strengthen your heart, muscles and core. Cardio Jazz is an introduction to Jazz dance movement, it includes simple dance steps in a fast-paced fashion to get you moving. You'll get a healthy dose of cardio, strength and stretch moves and finish up feeling energized and refreshed. You don't have to be a dancer to have fun taking Cardio Jazz! This class is open to all levels.

Latin Fusion

A unique, high-energy, fitness dance program that blends club, urban and Latin dance styles into a mind-blowing 60-minute class. You'll stomp, wiggle, giggle, shimmy, shake, slide and glide while getting in shape at the same time! Don't be shy, come on over and get your groove on tonight!

M.M.A. (Mixed Martial Arts)

This class introduces participants of all fitness levels to the fun, physical and mental challenges of martial arts. No prior martial arts experience is necessary. The class is available to all those interested in unifying mind and body by integrating meditative movement with conscious breathing. Punch and kick your way up to progressively challenging multi-level drills and routines. Experience this circuit workout utilizing many martial art techniques such as Tai-Chi, Chi-Kung, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Savate, Western Boxing, and Eastern Boxing.

Saturday Sampler

A great cardio and strength workout for the exerciser that loves all group exercise. This class features a 60-minute smorgasbord of group exercise formats. You will never be bored with this weekend teaser.

Sculpting With the Ball

Get "on the ball" with a class that includes use of all types of balls. The format of this class combines warm up on the ball, stretching, stability, and strengthening exercises. Physio-balls and med balls will be used. This is a great class to add to your cardio routine!

All classes are held in the Rice Gymnasium (Entrance #8 off University Blvd.) unless otherwise noted. Parking information is available at Rice Maps. For more information about the Fitness Program, contact AJ Moore, Assistant Director for Fitness at (713) 348-5765 or at fitness [at] rice.edu.