Group exercise classes are moving online

By: Maille Bennett

While some people still don’t feel comfortable with in-person exercise classes, Stonehill worked out a safe way to keep people working out via Zoom.

Bridget Lawrence-Meigs used to teach barre to a room full of people in the group exercise room in the sports complex during pre-COVID times. This year, she teaches her barre class from her home over Zoom. She said she has adapted to the circumstances and developed a good way to help people work out while still being safe about the dangers of COVID-19.

“I enjoy teaching in-person and online. Being able to see people and teach in person is the best, but Zoom allows us to meet and feel comfortable and safe in light of COVID-19,” Lawrence-Meigs said.

These workout classes, offered in person last year, are now held over Zoom throughout the day with a wide range of workout options.

“Group exercise classes are all currently offered virtually through Zoom. A list of class offerings, instructors, zoom links, and class descriptions went out at the beginning of the semester to all students and staff. Classes recur weekly, so participants can use the same zoom links each week,” Recreational Sports Manager, Sarah MacHugh, said.

Group exercise classes are seeing participation from faculty and staff.

“It is a great opportunity to get exercise from skilled trainers/practitioners in the comfort of your home/dorm/office,” Elizabeth Pearson said, an Administrative Assistant in Cushing-Martin who often participates in classes.

Students are sent a Zoom link each week with descriptions of the classes and times. To take the class, each student must hit the link provided and log into Zoom where the workout begins and ends. Students then log off after the workout is complete.

“I take advantage of the noon-time classes which are a nice break from work and I find them truly challenging,” Pearson said, “I am not only getting a good workout, but it revitalizes me for the remainder of the day.”

There are modifications that can be made when it comes to barre, yoga, and any other workout.

“The instructors gear it for all levels of fitness with modifications. I am so happy it is still available remotely,” Pearson said.

Josh Rapoza used to teach yoga each week in the Sports Complex. Rapoza now teaches his classes online but recently started to have yoga outside.

“I ran one class over Zoom this fall from the corner of the spin studio in the Sports Complex. However, since moving outside last week to the field adjacent to W.B. Mason stadium last week, I am no longer broadcasting over Zoom due to no wireless signal and other environmental factors,” Rapoza said.

The group exercise classes have their own eLearn page where instructors can upload their classes. While students, faculty, and staff can access any videos and recordings on their own time.

Photo courtesy of Stonehill Recreational Sports