MSU students teach fitness classes for the love of exercise and to motivate students to be active in a fun way.
Dance has always been a part of studio art senior Sarah Rydel’s life. Teaching a Zumba class in the River Trail Neighborhood, Rydel said it made sense to become a fitness instructor and teach other students how to get fit.
“I was really inspired to become a fitness instructor because of all the positive energy that came into my life when attending Zumba classes,” Rydel said. “It was such an exciting place for me because I could go and expand my energy and socialize and just laugh.”
Before becoming an instructor, Rydel had to intern with a Zumba instructor and show she could help other people.
“You have to be able to choreograph and know about the Zumba program in general,” Rydel said. “It was a gradual process and it’s a very good way to become a teacher.”
Rydel said juggling her Zumba classes with school can be tough, but maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, balancing homework and managing the time in her days make it possible to accomplish it all.
For yoga instructor and second year veterinary medicine student Becca Raffel, fitness came at an unexpected time in her life.
“I never worked out or went to the gym because I felt uncomfortable because I was heavier. I was a chunky person,” Raffel said. “But then I found yoga and it’s about accepting your body and it made me feel more comfortable in my own skin.”
Raffel teaches her yoga class in the Union and said it varies by the size of students who attend. Midterms and weather are contributing factors of students not attending regularly to class, Raffel said.
Exercising for beginners can start with yoga, Raffel said.
“You don’t need to be flexible to do yoga,” Raffel said. “I tell people they’re doing a good job by walking around the room and spending more time standing right next to them, and that sometimes makes them feel more comfortable.”
Raffel said there’s no judgement in her classes and students don’t have to hide. Students feel more comfortable working out with others than working one on one.
Finding time to work out can be challenging for animal science freshman Megan Pokropowicz.
“I usually get my work done first, and it’s kind of a motivator to get my work done because I know at the end of the day I can go to Zumba,” Pokropowicz said. “It doesn’t feel like working out per se, it feels fun.”
According to Tom Fritz, engagement director for North Neighborhood, students perform better academically when they make time to exercise.
Fitness classes such as Zumba, yoga and cardio kickboxing are provided free to MSU students all around campus.
Students can find out about these classes online through MSU’s residential hall websites, Fritz said.
“I’m going to continue to teach and it’s really cool, this experience,” Rydel said. “It’s given me another opportunity in life outside of college. It’s been beneficial for me and you’re able to share that with others.”
