For the next few weeks, the Sports & Fitness section staff will be reviewing the student-led fitness classes offered in Lund.

Kickboxing

by Zac Isaak

This week, I attended the kickboxing class held on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. Led by First-year Hanna Engebretson, the class offers a chance for students to get up on Saturday mornings and get their workout done early so that they can spend more time doing activities in the afternoon.

Unfortunately, we did not actually spend time learning about kickboxing for the class I attended, however it was still an enjoyable experience and included a great workout.

The hour-long workout we completed consisted of a twenty minute warm up that included stretching, running stairs, and some abdominal exercises. After completing the warm up, we did a workout using steps and dumbbells. The different exercises we did focused on improving our cardiovascular endurance along with our muscular strength and muscular endurance.

I sensed a feeling of community during the class—almost everybody knew each other and this was something all the students look forward to each week. For students looking to join a group focused on getting in shape but also looking to have fun while working out, this is the class to attend on Saturday mornings.

“It’s fun to get everybody together in the morning for a workout. It’s a good start to the day,” Engebretson said.

Senior students Cassandra Quam and Julie Nowariak also said that this class gives them the opportunity to get a workout done early so that they can have more fun later. They also said that this class offers more ideas for their own personal workouts.

Overall, this is a great class led by a great instructor. Engebretson shows that she has passion for leading this fitness class and is willing to take the time to make sure that everybody in attendance does the right technique and at their own pace. Engebretson constantly stressed that everyone should move at their own speed, but did offer challenges to those who were looking for more difficulty to the workout. Engebretson also made sure to allow time to rest and take a moment to drink some water in between exercises. She is a great instructor who can really help students get in shape. I highly recommend students attend this class.

 

 

 

 

 

Zumba

by Imani James

Zumba is one of the latest and most exciting ways to exercise. Even celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, Jordin Sparks and Vivica A. Fox are doing it, according to shape.com.

Students at Gustavus Adolphus College have the luxury of free Zumba classes right on campus in Lund. Every Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m. with Junior Paige Dieleman, who is student instructor of the aerobics exercise class. Those who are interested in dance should definitely attend Zumba every week on Thursday evenings. Zumba engages the entire body and is perfect for those working to tone and build on abdominals and the core area. It is a cardiovascular workout and will improve your cardiovascular fitness. Zumba is a fun, festive, and unique workout technique to work your legs, arms and core. Any athlete seeking to work on cardio should try out a class in the aerobics room in Lund on Thursdays.

Zumba involves different styles, dances and music, ranging from places such as Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Brazil. Zumba is a mix of dance and aerobic elements as well as an exercise with both Latin and Hip-Hop concepts. The beauty of Zumba is anyone can do it; you do not have to have experience in dance. Zumba is for every one, and both men and women can enjoy Zumba classes.

Typical classes with Dieleman on Thursdays include a warm-up session for a few minutes and as the music speeds up, so does the routine. Then the class will cool down as the selection of music becomes more low-key.

It is a guaranteed calorie burner, so bring lots of water. Zumba burns up to 800 calories in just one hour of engaging in it, and 30 minutes can burn 304 calories off of a person weighing  150 pounds. Bring to Zumba what you would to an intense workout: comfy workout clothing and plenty of water. Try one of Paige Dieleman’s Zumba classes; it is highly recommended.