Pandemic Profession: Group Fitness

Lexi Broz has been a part of the fitness world for most of her life, playing volleyball and basketball all through her primary education. When she came to CSU, she wanted to continue being healthy and fit but was not sure how to do so without the motivation of a sport. That’s when she discovered the Rec’s group fitness classes. Starting off as a participant, she loved the group setting. she found that she could become a group fitness instructor and jumped at the chance! Since her sophomore year, Lexi has been leading classes with the same excitement and fervor that she had when she was a class participant. 

Her passion for fun fitness is what drives her, and since the pandemic that hasn’t changed.

“I think I’ve actually become a little bit more involved, and I wanted to find ways to put classes out there so that people could work out when they were at home”

That being said, the transition was “initially kind of shocking”, she says. With strictly virtual classes on Instagram live and YouTube, she found it a bit hard to stay motivated without being surrounded by others. But now that we are back on campus and able to host outdoor group fitness classes, she is loving it. 

 

Group fitness still comes with its challenges, though. We are in the middle of a pandemic, after all. When it comes to the virtual side of things, “Of course [it] has all the technical difficulties” Lexi said. Between Instagram lives occasionally crashing and YouTubes strict music regulations. Being outside is great, but sometimes weather prevents classes from taking place, or last-minute location changes throw some people off. The bumpy ground isn’t ideal for kickboxing, one of the classes Lexi teaches. “It can create different motivation challenges for teachers and participants”. Other than that, she says it hasn’t been too difficult to make things work. The fresh air and open spaces make it a fun and exciting new experience. Life gave Lexi some weird lemons, but she is still out here making lemonade. 

 

Some of the most successful changes to group fitness has been outdoor cycling classes. “That was one option that we didn’t really have with all the online stuff,” she says. Not everyone has a spin bike, let alone the same exact one as the Rec. But with the beautiful Colorado weather, the class is packed! “Giving people that option again I think has been really successful”. 

Overall, Lexi would say that group fitness during the pandemic creates a real sense of accomplishment. The lack of motivation so many have felt during the pandemic melts away after going to a fitness class. And for Lexi, she’s excited to be around people again, seeing both new and returning faces.

Interested in group fitness?

 Check out their site here, and make sure to stay updated with the weekly schedules!