Whether it be a New Year’s resolution or just a fresh outlook on Spring semester, the start of the year usually inspires an influx of gym-goers. Washington University offers comprehensive exercise facilities at Sumers Recreation Center, as well as the South 40 Fitness Center. But between all the strength machines and rows of treadmills, starting at the gym can be an intimidating experience. Or perhaps, you’re just looking to spice up your workouts with some variety. Either way, BearFit classes provide a great way to fit some fun exercise into your day without having to figure out the specifics of your workout or navigate around the 4pm after-class crowds.

WashU students pedaling into the new week as they participate in BearFit classes (Bri Nitsberg | Student Life)

Pilates Burnout 

• Offered: M, W, Th 
• Intensity: 3-4/5 

Not to be confused with reformer Pilates, Pilates Burnout only uses mats and bodyweight exercises. The difficulty of this class varies with the instructor. Sometimes it leans more toward yoga and other times, it implements more traditional bodyweight exercises. This class is fun and more relaxing than some of the other classes offered at the Rec. Be warned, though, it’s quite popular — for good reason — meaning Monday evening classes usually involve some sort of mat Tetris to fit everyone in the studio (the record to beat is 53 people!). 

 Barre Fusion 

• Offered: M, W, Sat 
• Intensity: 2-3/5 

Developed by a former ballerina, barre classes use repetitive, isometric exercises inspired by ballet to target specific muscle sets for a well-rounded but moderate workout. During the class, you’ll utilize the ballet barre at the front of the studio, as well as equipment like hand weights, pilates rings, and balls. Although the class as a whole offers a lower-intensity workout, you may feel your muscles shaking during plié holds or less-than-graceful leg lifts. As a bonus, this class really helps you tap into your inner ballerina for straighter posture and better balance, leaving you walking out of Sumers with the confidence of hitting a grand jeté. 

 Zumba  

• Offered: T, Th, F, Sat, Sun 
• Intensity: 2/5 

A high-energy workout that combines elements of Latin dance and cardio, Zumba is a fun way to get your heart pumping. No dance experience required — the easy-to-follow interval breakdowns will get you twirling in no time. In particular, King’s Sunday evening classes are a great, affirming way to ease the Sunday Scaries and slide your way into the week. 

 Kpoppin 

• Offered: W 
• Intensity: 2/5 

Ever wanted to live out your idol/popstar fantasy? Make your dreams come true with this Wednesday evening K-pop dance class! Taught in a Zumba-like fashion, K-pop hits from LE SSERAFIM, ENHYPEN, and Seventeen are simplified into easy-to-grasp moves while retaining their catchy, high-energy vibe for a light, bouncy workout that’ll have you “getting it like boom-boom-boom”. We stan Mackenzie. 

 Yoga 

• Offered: M, T, W, R, F, Sun 
• Intensity: 1-2/5 

Sumers offers a variety of yoga classes nearly every day of the week as a great way to build balance, flexibility, and strength. Although many of the classes are advertised as heated, the studio usually is lukewarm at best. Intensity also varies greatly between the different class varieties, but between the six weekly sessions, you’re bound to find a fit. Late-night yoga classes can inspire a sense of inner peace and calm needed during stressful periods. 

 Darkcycle 

• Offered: M, T, W, Th, F, Sat, Sun 
• Intensity: 5/5 

This class will give you all the cardio you need for a lifetime in 1 hour. The instructors are always energized and ready to get you through this powerful workout, which has you dripping sweat by the halfway mark. This is also not a normal cycling class — the darkroom offers a unique aesthetic that is unlike the other classes offered at the Rec. 

BearFIT Boxing  

• Offered: M, T, W, Th, Sat 
• Intensity: 3-4/5 

If you’re willing to buy your own gloves (or borrow a friend’s), this class offers the perfect blend of cardio and catharsis. BearFIT boxing leans more on the side of endurance than technique but still provides the basics of boxing—by the end, you’ll know how to jab, punch, hook, kick, and uppercut. Some sessions offer a blend with high intensity interval training, or HIIT, while others have you practicing combination routines. No experience is required—but by the end you will be sweating buckets. 

 BearFLEX  

• Offered: M 
• Intensity: 5/5 

Looking for a challenge? Look no further. BearFLEX combines common lifting movements, such as squats and presses, with endurance and a fast pace. Maintaining high energy throughout the hour, you will leave this class with increased endurance as well as strength training. It’s no walk in the park, but the blasting music and shouts of encouragement help you get the most of your workout. 

(Bri Nitsberg | Student Life)