Whitney Spota, coordinator of group exercise, said the template schedule for classes, which run from 6 a.m. to around 8 p.m., has been in place for nearly 30 years.
“Group exercise has changed a lot,” she said. “Instructors are keeping track of what classes are doing well, and we’re using that and the trends in the fitness industry to determine what we offer.”
Ranging from yoga to strength training, Spota – who created a cardio-dance course called DAZE – said the classes offered provide balance for regular visitors.
“It’s a very well-rounded schedule,” John Jackson, assistant director of fitness and research, said. “The classes all complement each other and aren’t too heavy on one end, so they’re able to offer what everyone needs and wants.”
Recently, the center has introduced the METRECS system, which measures the intensity of physical activity and what intensity is needed for proper health benefits on a scale of one to 13. Jackson said the system works as a manual tool to track physical activity. The METRECS system can be seen in further detail on the Student Recreation Center’s website, and can be tracked through a comprehensive website and the treadmills at both the Student Recreation Center, and the new center at Presidential Village.
“From an exercise science standpoint, there are two different perspectives,” Jackson said. “Physical activity, where you look at how much physical activity is needed to decrease risks of heart disease, and exercising specifically, which uses so many things that aren’t traditional exercise but do the same thing.”
Jackson said the system was implemented about four years ago, and offers a free alternative to arm bands that are focused strictly on fitness, rather than fitness and disease prevention like the METRECS system.
While Jackson and Spota both recommend activities with a METRECS level of three or four, Jackson said activities at the one or two level can still be beneficial.
Spota said the METRECS system is beneficial for people of all fitness levels.
“If you don’t have a heart rate monitor, or you aren’t fitness-savvy and aren’t sure where to start, the METREC website is a good place to look,” Spota said.
Jackson added that the University Recreation mobile site is also helpful because it divides activities into indoor or outdoor.
Outside of the group exercises, Spota also created the UAchieve program, which she said focuses on martial arts, dance, and more non-traditional fitness activities. The Recreation Center also offers personal training and classes in Pilates, Brazilian Jujitsu and new spinning courses at the Presidential Village location.
Jackson said the center’s offerings provide plenty of options for everyone.
“If someone wanted to meet all the guidelines,” he said, “they can just do the classes alone and get everything they need.”
For more information on the METREC system and the courses the Student Recreation Center offers, visit urec.sa.ua.edu.
