CREDIT: UHRECREATION.COM/FITNESS/GROUP-EXERCISE

If you're trying to battle the freshman 15, eating healthy, drinking less alcohol and working out are some obvious musts. If you're one of those people who struggles with sticking to a gym routine, group fitness classes may be the answer you're looking for.

Group fitness classes have become very popular among gymgoers, especially women. Gym memberships are not included in your tuition, but if you purchase a membership at Fanshawe Fitness 101 ($157/semester), all group fitness classes are included.

Program manager Karen Nixon- Carroll said there are several reasons why you may want to try a class. "I think the major benefit is that it's timed, you get a workout done typically in an hour or less and a lot of the time you don't even feel like it was an hour. If you've got the right mix of music and a motivating instructor it can be really great."

Fanshawe's gym offers a number of different classes, so how do you know what class is right for you? Those looking for high intensity can try things like Total Body Sculpt, Cardio Fun or Super Circuit. Cardio Fun is a calorieburning workout that focuses on making sure you work your cardiorespiratory system! If you're short on time or running to class, you can attend Core Cops or a 4:30 p.m. express class. Core Cops is a 15-minute back and abs workout offered at 4:15 each day that targets all your core muscles. Afterwards are the express classes such as Step Up!, Cardio Fun and Baile Latino — a cultural dance class featuring salsa, bachata, merengue, and reggaeton.

If you're thinking of trying something new, TRX may be for you. According to Nixon-Carroll, it's been popularized over the last five years. Fanshawe's gym did some trial runs last winter, and offered the class over the summer. "It's suspension band training," Nixon-Carroll explained, "We hang the TRX bands from the frame and honestly it looks like a really scary structure, but anyone can do it." You are essentially using your own body weight as resistance and completing a variety of exercises.

If you're into a more relaxing workout that's low-impact, you can try pilates or yoga classes. Both involve breathing and controlled body movement, but Nixon- Carroll warned they are very different. "Yoga is a little more flowy between movements itself, it can have a spiritual component, and it's really a lot about mind over body. Pilates is a little bit more about core work and really training all those muscles and joints that we don't normally engage. It's not as flowing from one pose to another."

For some of you who may be more into athletic training or sports, choreography-based classes such as Step Up! may be a bit more intimidating. "My best advice is to just keep coming back," Nixon- Carroll stressed. "Don't get discouraged after the first one. I've been teaching for almost 14 years and I'll still go to someone else's step class and get lost in it." Continuing to attend a class on a weekly basis will help you familiarize yourself not only with the moves and progression of the class, but also with the instructor. "Eventually you just get used to that person and it becomes second nature, and if it doesn't, maybe it's not for you," Nixon-Carroll pointed out.

How do you know if classes are working? Without paying attention to the number on the scale, Nixon- Carroll explained other ways to look for progression. "You'll know if you're getting results if things are getting easier, and you've raised the level of intensity."

If you enjoy a group setting and are motivated by music, instruction and encouraging words group fitness may be exactly what you need! For more details on the group exercise schedule, stop by the Fitness Membership desk in J Building or visit tinyurl.com/fanshawefit2012.