Some would call me a fitness freak. I love to workout every single day, and I actually enjoy it. I teach indoor cycling at least twice a week and spend a lot of time in the gym or trying out new exercise formats.
As recreation professionals, it might be a constant battle to keep programming fresh. You want to provide a diverse offering of workout options in order to attract a wide variety of students. To help you in this quest, here are a few exercise formats that I have noticed are quickly gaining momentum.
Small Group Training — Let’s face it, personal training is expensive and there is a good chance the majority of college students can’t afford it. Plus, working out alone can be a bore. This is where small group training or partner training comes in. Having a small group of students to workout with a trainer, allows for a lower price point. And when you workout with friends, there is a greater level of competition and motivation.
Barre Classes — Barre incorporates elements of Pilates, yoga and ballet all in one workout. Recently, an increasing number of Barre studios have been popping up in cities across the country. The format seems to attract mostly women, but since the majority of group fitness participants are women anyway, it is a great way to cater to your core demographic. All you need is a group fitness studio, a ballet bar and some small hand weights.
Outdoor Activities — One of the most crucial components to a successful fitness regimen is switching things up. Doing the same workout over and over again will cause muscles to plateau. The perfect way to switch things up is to change the workout environment. Instead of logging an hour on the treadmill, encourage students to get outside and go for a hike. Provide information about local trails or even host a few free adventures trips. Getting a little extra Vitamin D does a body good.
Strength Training — There is no doubt that workouts like CrossFit have taken the nation by storm. A crucial element of a CrossFit workout is strength training. Historically, men have dominated the weightlifting area in a gym, but now more and more women are flocking to the weights. Grab a few barbells and develop a class that focuses on strength training – think squats, pull-up, push-ups, power cleans and much more.
