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Hey Rec'ing Rams!

The series we've all been waiting for is finally here.


Let’s be honest, the CSU Rec Center can feel uncomfortable for new members.

I know from personal experience that going to a new gym or class can be intimidating, and it’s totally ok if you feel the same.

Taking group classes might seem like an extra challenge in this respect, but you shouldn’t have to feel that way.

In this new series, I am on a mission to try and review group classes at the Rec so that going in and taking one feels less daunting.

This time, I got to check out the Cycle 50 class at the Rec. You can register for this vinyasa and slow-flow fusion through the CSU Rec App or on our website.

Before I tell you what I thought, let me give a better description of what you will be getting into:

“An upbeat 50 minute cycling workout to fun beats that incorporates climbing, sprinting and so much more! Everyone is welcome here no matter what their background in cycling is.”

Jess was the instructor for my class and was very helpful in getting set up to start. I have never been to a cycling class before and did not know what to expect!

After everyone got their bike situated, Jess promptly started the class and turned up the energizing music we would be biking along to.

Honestly, this class gave me a real run for my money! It is high-intensity with frequent intervals of varying fast-paced movements such as climbing and sprinting.

Throughout the class, Jess encouraged us to add resistance to the bike in order to challenge ourselves. Still, I was able to take it at my own pace and never felt pressured to keep going if I felt like I needed a break. At the end, the instructor made sure that we stretched before moving on with our day.

I would highly recommend this class if you are someone who enjoys HIIT or other generally fast-paced workouts. This time I took a 50-minute class. Additionally, there are options for 30, 45, or 60-minute classes as well.

That’s all Rec’ing Rams! If you take this class, let us know what you think. We would love to hear your feedback.

Hey Rec'ing Rams!

The series we've all been waiting for is finally here.


Let’s be honest, the CSU Rec Center can feel uncomfortable for new members.

I know from personal experience that going to a new gym or class can be intimidating, and it’s totally ok if you feel the same.

Taking group classes might seem like an extra challenge in this respect, but you shouldn’t have to feel that way.

In this new series, I am on a mission to try and review group classes at the Rec so that going in and taking one feels less daunting.

This time, I got to check out the VinYin class at the Rec. You can register for this vinyasa and slow-flow fusion through the CSU Rec App or on our website.

Before I tell you what I thought, let me give a better description of what you will be getting into:

“A combination class of a heat-building Vinyasa flow and breathwork during the first half of class. Here we will build heat and work off the energy of the day. The second half of the class will be a slow and restorative Yin practice. The Yin portion of class will be seated and supine poses that offer deep stretch and relaxation. All levels. A rejuvenating class to promote breath-body connection and relaxation.”

Jes is the instructor for the VinYin class and was very welcoming when I came in. She made sure that I had all the props necessary for the class – a yoga mat, two blocks, one strap, and one bolster – and waited until everyone got settled to start.

The first half of the class included moves from your normal vinyasa class which got me nice and warmed up for the rest of the workout. As someone who doesn’t frequently work out, I was very happy with the level of intensity in the tougher parts of the class! When I needed a break, I made sure to stop and take a sip of water and then hopped right back into what the instructor had for us next. It is safe to say that I got a good workout during this portion of the class.

In the next half, we moved on to much slower and more restorative movements, allowing ourselves to focus on deep stretching. I am a big fan of slow flow because it helps me release the tension that I carry from looking at a screen all day! While moving through the sequences, Jes made sure to remind us about breathing intentionally which is something that I often forget to do during a workout. We ended the class like most others with a moment of stillness to wrap up all the good exercise we got.

Overall, I was very pleased with this class and would love to take it again! Jes was a great instructor, and now that I have done it once, I feel much more confident for the next time.

That’s all Rec’ing Rams! If you take this class, let us know what you think. We would love to hear your feedback.