Class by class: Tarleton offers array of fitness classes for students

BY HANNAH BROOKS

Multimedia Journalist

Tarleton State University’s Recreation Center not only houses a free weight section, ball courts and an upstairs cardio area – it also features two spacious rooms where several different fitness classes are taught by a multitude of instructors weekly.   

If you’re looking for a way to stay active but want structured workouts already laid out, this is for you.

Classes are taught by a variety of different instructors—most being students—who all bring something different to the table.

These classes are all included under the recreational fees covered in your Texan Bill Pay, meaning the only thing you have to do to attend is sign up through the Rec app.

As of spring 2025, Tarleton Fitness and Wellness offers 15 diverse group fitness classes.

These include: Kickboxing, Flex and Flow, Indoor Cycling, Learn 2 Dance Cardio, Functional Flexibility, Glutes and Abs, Fine Toning, Ballet Fusion, Barre Fusion, Sleepy Yoga, Pilates, Arm Sculpt, Core Cardio & More, Line Dance Cardio Class and Trampoline Fitness.

After attending a variety of these classes, here’s what I discovered.

Fine Toning

In this class, Instructor Sonia Bauer will lead you through a series of full-body, low-impact sets that use lighter weight loads with higher repetitions and slower movements, finishing with pulses for maximum burn. The emphasis is on lengthening the muscle and holding rather than intense, twitchy movement. There’s no jumping or high impact motions in this class – which is  especially excellent for beginners or someone interested in a low-key class.

Ballet Fusion

In this class, instructor Charlee Hammer will lead you through ballet technique basics using classical music. This class will engage your mind just as much as your body. Using only the bar for stability, you’ll be led through a series of on-count/beat motions, greatly targeting the calves, quads and hip flexors. If you’re looking for a class to increase your poise, balance and learn about ballet, this is for you.

Barre Fusion

This class, also taught by Hammer, is like a souped-up pilates class with elements of dance and strength training. Using dumbbells, the bar, a foam block and a small stability ball, Hammer creates a very engaging and extremely effective 45-minute workout – expect to leave sweaty. This class targets core, arms and lower body, making it an excellent full-body workout option.

Kickboxing

In this class, instructor Haeley Carpenter teaches basic and advanced kickboxing combinations on hand mitts and body pads. This class is a great place to bring a friend as it is quintessentially partner work but is also fully functional without. Forget hitting back day, Carpenter will have you covered. She left me sore for days. This class is mentally engaging as well as physically. You’ll be utilizing snappy movements and timed rounds to improve endurance. On top of the natural cardio from the sport, the class is finished with a few core exercises.

Indoor Cycling

Each attendee has their own stationary bike and starts a warm up to ease into things. Note that while this class is higher intensity, it’s very adjustable. You just turn the knob on your bike to adjust the difficulty. The instructor will explain certain commands beforehand—perfect for beginners—and then call them out through the duration of the session. If you’re looking for a serious quad burn and to get your heart rate up, look no further. This class is the epitome of cardio.

Sleepy Yoga

This class, taught by Laila Allam, is at 8 p.m. – making it the perfect addition to a wind down routine. As someone who’d never attended a yoga class, I found myself newly appreciative. Using foam blocks, you’re led through stretches and positions that elevate and align certain points to release tension. For students with lower back pain from sitting, this is a game changer. You can expect soothing ambiance, low dimmed purple lighting and gentle instruction. Prepare to be pacified.

Pilates

This is the most offered class on the schedule. A staple in the fitness world for its well-rounded nature, pilates is a great addition to your routine if you’re looking for low impact, no-weights-needed strengthening. It’ll help improve your core strength, balance, flexibility and bodily awareness. Perhaps consider using this class as a more productive recovery day.

Glute and Abs

This class is what it sounds like. If you’re in the market for a challenging but highly rewarding leg day- with emphasis on the glutes – this is for you. You’ll be led through a warm up, and then you’ll utilize whatever equipment the instructor chooses for the day. Instructor Savannah Carlos typically uses bar weights, dumbbells and kettlebells. You can adjust the intensity of this class by using as much or as little weight as you’d like. It’s wrapped up or integrated with core work depending on the day.

The following classes were ones I didn’t take so I can’t recount from experience, but here’s what you can expect.

Flex and Flow

The instructor will lead through different movements and stretches to lengthen and balance all muscle groups. Emphasis is placed on challenging the core muscles as well. This full body flexibility class is a great way to prevent injury and alleviate tightness.

Learn 2 Dance Cardio

This class will introduce you to the latest dance moves. It’s a great class to get social and get out of your comfort zone all while getting in some movement.

Functional Flexibility

This class targets flexibility, stretching everything from your fingers to your toes. All levels can enjoy this class and will walk away with less tension and more bodily awareness.

Arm Sculpt

This class incorporates fundamental pilates movements that focus on upper-body strength to target the shoulders, biceps, triceps and back. Attendees can expect body weight repetitions that will create shapely arms and increase functional strength.

Core Cardio & More

This class is a combination of core strength training and cardio intervals, designed to give you a full-body, fat-burning workout. Instructor Brilyn Fowler splits the session into sets of four full-body movements and four abdominally focused movements. Any level of experience will benefit from this class.

Line Dance Cardio Class

Want to learn how to line dance but haven’t the slightest clue? You and I both. Enter: this class.

Regardless of whether you avidly take the floor or have never heard of line dancing, you will find yourself having a blast in this session. The teaching style is accommodating and positive. The instructor paces out the movements to cater to your needs.

Trampoline Fitness

This lower-impact class utilizes trampolines and dumbbells to burn calories and get your heart rate up. This is a great option for those with joint pain who enjoy higher-energy workouts but can’t have a hard impact against the ground. Every level is welcome.

Instructors switch up their classes weekly so it’s never mundane.

The best part of all these classes is that there’s no pressure to be perfect or know what you’re doing. You can completely adjust to what your body needs.

If you decide to attend, remember to bring water and an open mind.

Fuel optimally with complex carbs a few hours beforehand or with light simple carbs like fruit or rice cakes if you’re short on time.

Remember, it may burn terribly during, but you’ll never leave these workouts regretting that you moved your body.

In the spirit of wellness week, let us remember that gratitude is quite possibly the healthiest thing we can foster. Health is a blessing, and an able body is an opportunity that may one day cease.