Huston Huffman Center is offering several new group fitness classes this spring, including pilates; balance, core and strength; jazz funk and rear attitude.

"Group fitness classes are an important aspect in training by helping you out when you are not quite sure what to do or how to get started," said Khari Huff, group fitness and facility coordinator. "Group fitness offers a variety [of exercises] and a challenging workout."

Huff said that unlike working out alone, group fitness classes are very motivating. She said it is fun to socialize in class as well as to get a good workout.

Many of the new classes were added from requests through surveys given at the end of last semester, said Amy Davenport, director of recreational services.

Pilates was highly requested both from surveys and by word of mouth, Davenport said.

Lauren Tucker, public relations sophomore, said she enjoys the pilates class.

"It's a great opportunity for students so we don't have to go off campus to take aerobics." Tucker said. "The instructor knows what she is doing. It is a very professional class."

Tucker said it meets her expectations, which are to tone and become more flexible.

Pilates instructor Cathy Brummitt said her students are very friendly and want to be knowledgeable about what is going on in the class.

"There is a lot of interaction, a lot of people who stay behind, ask questions and want to learn things the correct way," Brummitt said.

Pilates is designed to improve your posture, coordination, sense of balance, joint mobility, stamina and relieve stress, Davenport said.

"Most people leave pilates feeling relaxed and focused," Davenport said. "This is great because it means that they tapped into that mind and body workout."

Huffman also offers a new beginners pilates class. Altogether, there are almost 50 group fitness classes each week.

Davenport said Huffman added the balance, core and strength class because it is a new focus in the fitness industry.

Huff developed the idea for the class as well as the class format.

"I didn't know what to expect, it was easier than I thought it would be," said Regina Cantu, civil engineering senior. "It was awesome and a lot of fun."

Huff said it is something new for the participants to try and it keeps them on their toes.

Destini Rogers, jazz funk class instructor, said OU students are open-minded and fun to work with.

"She got everyone motivated and invited people up to the front to dance," said Rose Yager, University College freshman. "There was a lot of energy in the room and I got a good workout."

Jazz funk is a jazz dance class that combines upper and lower-body exercises as well as stretching, and new combinations are taught every other week, Davenport said.

For a strictly lower-body work out, though, rear attitude is a 20-minute class that focuses on strengthening the legs and glutes.

"It is a great complement to either your own workout or another group fitness class," Davenport said.
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