Group fitness builds community at Stonehill

By Sarah VanDerpool

As obligations and assignments pile up and the weather remains inconsistent, staying active and healthy can feel nearly impossible. Between classes, work, clubs, assignments, and hours spent studying in the library, movement often becomes an afterthought. But at the Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex, students and faculty can take a break from the chaos, recharge, stay active, and connect with other students through group exercise classes offered Monday through Friday.

The Sports Complex has made it possible for people on campus to move together through

activities like Yoga, Pilates, Spin, and Zumba, even if they don't have a background in athletics.

The group exercise program now offers Pilates, Spin, Yoga, and Zumba, and the schedules

change every semester to fit different schedules. A mix of staff and student teachers leads the

sessions. Josh, a faculty member, teaches Yoga, and Marilena teaches Zumba. Sarah VanDerpool, a senior at Stonehill, teaches Pilates and Spin.

Max Silverman, the Assistant Director of Athletics, Recreational Sports, and Varsity Programs,

says that the program is still growing and expresses his enthusiasm for the future of the program.

"...Students and teachers are coming to Pilates, Zumba, Spin, Yoga, and more. Every class is

meant to be friendly, fun, and open to people of all fitness levels. We're working toward having

two classes a day and adding more based on what our community wants. The goal is simple:

keep our campus busy, connected, and excited to move, not just in our group exercise classes but also in club sports and intramural sports.”

The focus isn't just on health and fitness; it's also on community and inclusion. Pilates is more

than just building core strength for teacher Sarah VanDerpool.

"It's a fun way for students to take a break from studying and stay active, especially in the

winter," she said. "I try to make the workouts strength-based and offer different versions of each

exercise when I can." It's very easy; all you need is a mat and weights, which are already in the

room and the best part is that it’s completely free!”

VanDerpool says that one of her favorite things about teaching is meeting new people every

week and seeing the same people again. She and many others have formed lifelong friendships

through the classes, while also bringing their current friends to bond and enjoy the experience

together. She is excited to offer Pilates twice a week and Spin once a week this semester. This

will help students who rely on the class as part of their routine stay consistent.

Students who go to class often become regulars and make it a part of their routine.

Lia Avramidis said, “I’d definitely say I look forward to Pilates every Friday, it’s my favorite!!”

Taylor Polley said, “Sarah’s Pilates class this semester has been amazing! It’s the perfect amount of challenge to make a great workout! She is such a nice instructor that pushes you to your best ability. It’s a class I look forward to for my Fridays, and it starts me out with a great weekend!”

The group exercise program helps with mental health as well as physical strength. This is

especially important in the winter when people may not feel motivated and their stress levels

may rise.

These classes offer: A planned break from studying, a place to relax, a feeling of responsibility,

and a friendly place for newcomers.

Students don't have to pay anything, and the program is open to anyone who wants to come. The

low-pressure, friendly environment takes away the fear that it can come with going to the gym.

Most importantly, the classes help people connect with each other. In a semester full of deadlines and responsibilities, they give students a place to stay active, support each other, and feel like they are part of something.

The Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex is still a busy place to be, even as the year goes on, and

the semester gets busier. The future of group exercise at Stonehill looks bright.

Students who want to stay active, deal with stress, or just try something new might find the

answer in something as simple as rolling out a mat, getting on a spin bike, or going to a Zumba

class.

During a time when it's easy to stay inside, Stonehill's campus recreation program shows that sometimes the best way to recharge is to move together.