Like many of the changes UFV has made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, on-demand fitness classes have been made available on Blackboard for UFV students and faculty to participate in. The registration form only takes a couple minutes to fill out before you gain access to a variety of classes in your Blackboard tab. With Zoom fatigue becoming a byproduct of online classes, it is important to take mental breaks in between lectures and move your body to optimize cognitive function and manage stress levels. Trust me, some days my smartwatch kindly reminds me that I have only taken 300 steps — for the entire day — just walking back and forth to my fridge, and then I’m left wondering why I can’t stay focused during a lecture.
This week, I decided to take the plunge to test my quarantined, Oreo- and pasta-fueled fitness skills (or lack thereof) and review some of the classes hosted by the Campus Recreation fitness instructors. Most of the classes posted are between 20-45 minutes and use bodyweight, low intensity moves with modified options to make the workouts easier or more strenuous. The videos are pre-recorded and uploaded onto Blackboard, so there is no need to worry about individually signing up for each class, and they can be conveniently accessed anytime. The program also offers mental health and wellness resources, including stress management and anxiety focused modules — a concept that largely contributes to overall health and fitness. It is encouraging to see that the program has included these fundamental elements as I think a successful health and wellness program must advocate for the connection between mental health and physical fitness.
Julia Nord-Leth, a Campus Recreation assistant, noted, “this program has been relatively successful since it’s been up, and I think students and faculty have enjoyed having access to these classes even if it is from their home.” Although currently there are only a few classes posted, in the next few weeks Nord-Leth explained that the program will undergo “a summer relaunch” where additional classes will be added into the program including a dance and strength/cardio section.
“The participation is often much less in the summertime,” Nord-Leth explained, “but we are hoping to re-open on-demand fitness classes for the remainder of the summer semester.”
The summer launch will bring back some popular classes from previous semesters, and classes are updated each semester. I challenged myself to participate in a couple of the program’s videos to break down the classes and help you decide what class is the best fit for you and your fitness level.
Yoga: I am no yogi, and my level of flexibility is embarrassing, so being in the comfort of my own home while I twisted and turned into poses took some of the pressure off what I’d otherwise feel in an in-person class. I personally did Oxygen Yoga and campus yoga instructor Katrina Owens’ “Yoga 4 Fitness” class as it was under 20 minutes and did not involve any complex movements. This class focused on mobility, posture, and mental clarity and is perfect for beginner level athletes who are needing a quick stretch or recharge mid-day. I recommend doing this after a long lecture or when you have been slumped over a keyboard for long hours as it focuses on full-body mobility stretching.
Strength: Long time Campus Rec fitness instructor Heidi H. leads her “Heart Pumping” strength class and walks you through the mechanics of a 40 minute bodyweight workout, giving you the tools you need to achieve proper form and avoid injury. The class served more as a ‘how to’ instructional tool instead of an intense workout; therefore, if you are wanting to break a sweat, I would suggest using the written exercise routine attached to the video and plugging in some music. While most of the exercises could be classified as beginner or intermediate level, Heidi explains how to up the difficulty and adjust a routine to your fitness needs. If you are someone who struggles with coming up with a routine, or needs bodyweight exercise inspiration, then I recommend this video.
Class options and upload frequency “depends on engagement levels, and what the participants enjoy,” explained Nord-Leth. I encourage you all to take on the challenge of moving your body and register for online fitness classes this semester.
Image: Alexandra Tran / Unsplash
Sydney is a BA English major, creative writing student, who has been a content contributor for The Cascade and is now the Opinion editor. In 7th grade, she won $100 in a writing contest but hasn’t made an earning from writing since. In the meantime, she is hoping that her half-written novels will write themselves, be published, and help pay the bills.
