With the emergence of several unique exercise programs over the past few years, Ohio University Campus Recreation has begun offering classes targeted to keep up with students' trending workout needs.
This school year, the Aquatic Center and Ping Recreation Centers have added one and four group fitness classes, respectively, including Ping 7x and Aqua Zumba.
Ping 7x is based off of P90X, a 90-day plan that involves a mix of both cardio and weight training, while Aqua Zumba, a branch of Zumba, is an aerobic plan that incorporates unique movements to the sound of Latin and other international music.
Sarah Shore, Ohio University's fitness director, said that the addition of classes at Ping were to keep up with newer workout trends, especially the addition of Ping 7x.
This is just something that we created ... because (P90X) is just a craze right now
Shore said.
Adding Aqua Zumba was not only a way to keep up with more popular workout programs, but for the Aquatic Center, it was also a way to add more variety for students, said Aquatic Center Program Manager Branden Burns.
Around the country Zumba is really a hot new thing Burns said. We always offered shallow water aerobics and deep water aerobics; however
those classes are mostly filled up by adults ... we kind of went out looking to see what would be an alternative for students.
Aqua Zumba is the second class the Aquatic Center has added since taking over aqua aerobics classes from WellWorks before the 2009-2010 school year. WellWorks is Ohio University's regionally prominent wellness program that offers lifestyle services to local customers.
Along with the health benefits that come from water aerobics, Aqua Zumba can be an enjoyable way for participants to get into shape, said Julia Zocolo, an Aqua Zumba instructor and OU student.
Aquatic fitness has more benefits than regular exercise because of the fact that your normal resting heart rate will be lower
Zocolo said. You forget you're working out ... people really take this as therapy.
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Pat Holmes
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Meg Roussos | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Freshman Hollie Danhoff (center) exercises in front of freshman friends Kendall Fisher (left) and Deena Benkey (right) Wednesday during the new Aqua Zumba class at Ohio University
