Group Fitness

Welcome to the Rice Fitness Group Fitness Class (GX) page. Please visit this site often to get the most up-to-date information on our classes and offerings.

• Schedules

• Fall 2009 Schedule

• Fees

• Free and Discounted Group Fitness
• Fall 2009 Group Fitness Fees

• Class and Instructor Information

• Instructor Bios
• Instructor Evaluation - We want to hear from YOU!
• Class Descriptions

• Other Fitness Information

• Flying Owls 5k Fun Run - Results
• Specialty Class Information
• Free Specialty Classes and Workshops

Free and Discounted Fitness Classes:

• Mondays - 4:30 PM - Total Athletic Conditioning
• Tuesdays - 5:15 PM - Strength Express
• Tuesdays - 6:30 PM - Aqua Aerobics
• Wednesdays - 7:30 AM - Yoga
• Thursdays - 5:15 PM - Strength Express
• Thursdays - 5:30 PM - Nia - Barefoot Cardio
• Thursdays - 5:30 PM - Cardio Dance
• Thursdays - 8:00 PM - Yoga
• Fridays - 8:00 AM - Core Conditioning

Class Cancellations and Schedule Changes

• Monday, November 2 - Aqua Aerobics 11:00 a.m. - Moved to the new Recreation Center Competition Pool
• Tuesday, November 3 - Aqua Aerobics 5:40 p.m. - Moved to the new Recreation Center Competition Pool

Note: Classes with consistently low numbers of participants may be canceled at any point during the semester.

Rice Group Fitness - Class Schedule

Fall 2009 : As of October 5, 2009

Schedule is subject to change.

All classes are held at the Gibbs Recreation Center in one of the locations indicated below:

Classes in green are held in the Multi-Purpose Room 1
Classes in purple are held in the Multi-Purpose Room 3 .

Please note:

Classes in blue are held in the Autry Gymnasium Pool until the competition pool opens.

How to read the calendar: You can view upcoming week schedules by clicking on the arrows just above the calendar. Click on a class for more details. You can also download a printable version of the schedule.

Fall Fees 2009 (Valid August 17 - December 19, 2009)

How to Participate

To attend a class, please stop by the Operations Desk, just inside the Rec Center front doors. Purchase a single, multiple, or unlimited class pass and your ticket to fitness is in your hands.

Questions concerning the Group Fitness Program may be addressed by calling the Assistant Director for Fitness at (713) 348-5765 or by e-mail to fitness [at] rice.edu

• All classes require a minimum of 3 participants.
• The Recreation Center is not responsible for lost or stolen passes.
• Passes are valid for the current semester only.

All group fitness and mind body classes will be using a single pass starting Fall 2009. Participants will be able to purchase unlimited, 20, 10, and single class passes in order to attend any class on our regular schedule. Specialty Programs will still require a separate registration.

	Students *	Faculty/Staff
One Class	$3	$4
Ten Classes	$25	$35
Twenty Classes	$45	$60
Unlimited	$60	$80
Please note: Graduate student, faculty and staff holders of fitness passes must purchase a membership to the Gibbs Recreation and Wellness Center in order to continue to use the pass after the new recreation center opens . If you do not intend to become a member of the new facility, please purchase your pass amount accordingly. No refunds are given for unused classes.

Classes with consistently low numbers of participants may be canceled at any point during the semester.

* Students will be asked to show verification of student status.

Class Descriptions

Classes offered each semester will vary, based on instructor availability and member interest.
Listed in alphabetical order by class type.

Please check this website for updates to our class offerings. Fall 2009 will see the addition of several new classes as well as returning favorites.

Aerobic and Cardio

Aqua Aerobics

A complete low impact cardiovascular toning, flexibility, and strengthening, workout in both shallow and deep water using flotation belts and hand weights. A great way to get fit without pain to joints, knees, or back. Floatation devices are provided. No swimming skills necessary.

Cardio Dance

This cardio class is for the fitness enthusiast who loves variety. This class will feature different instructors and different formats – all designed to get you moving, sweating, and having fun! Whether it be Latin, hip-hop, spiritual, or Bollywood this class is great for those who enjoy moving with the music.

Cardio Kickboxing

This is an intense aerobic class that utilizes the fundamentals of boxing and Muay-Thai kickboxing. High-pumping music and simple choreography make you forget that you’re working out. Warm-up, cardio, turbo, recovery, and cool-down sections make this the complete cardiovascular experience. High- and low-impact as well as cardio/strength modifications will be provided, so Cardio Kickboxing suits any fitness level.

Indoor Cycle

This can be an intense, but low-impact aerobic class on a special indoor bike set to great music and guaranteed to burn calories.

T.A.C. (Total Athletic Conditioning)

You'll challenge your whole body with agility, speed, and power drills. We'll run. We'll do push-ups, dips, squat thrusts, and more. This workout will get your heart pumping, your muscles burning, and leave you begging for more.

Sculpting and Toning

Abs Express

Want to firm up that midsection? Then get in here! Exercise for abs and back is the primary focus. No warm up included so be ready to work as soon as you hit the door!

Core Conditioning

This class will focus on training the muscles you need most for stability and an over all strong and toned body. You will work the abdominals, lower back, hips and glutes. The workout in this class will improve sport performance, general fitness, and leave you feeling great.

Dynamic Definition

Sculpt and define every muscle group with the use of resistance bands, body bars, glide disks, and dumb bells. This total body workout focuses on gradual resistance while conditioning one to two muscle groups at a time for maximum results. This workout is ideal for everyone since participants select their own resistance for each exercise.

Strength Express

Need to tone, but never can find the time? Sneak in 15-30 minutes in this class that will hit a variety of muscle groups with resistance exercises to a great beat.

Mind and Body Inspired Classes

Mat Pilates

Condition the mind and body to strengthen the body's core unit. Series of mat work exercises will help to develop strength, flexibility and better body coordination while improving body alignment, and creating balance for more efficient movement. This class is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed.

Nia - Barefoot Cardio

Experience the freedom of movement influenced by the fitness form known as Nia, an elegant fusion of yoga, Tai Chi, martial arts, core stabilization and dance. Begin with warm, open, flowing moves that melt away tension. Move on to power moves that strengthen and tone, and mix it up with multi-cultural joy of movement. End with a soothing blend of yoga, Tai Chi, and creative modern dance. When you finish you will feel cleansed, fit and refreshed with calm, yet vitalized energy.

Yoga

Designed to enhance physical, emotional and mental health, the class offers a welcome place for all levels to experience new flexibility, strength, and inner harmony. Instructors will guide participants through asanas that will enable you to improve your overall health and fitness. Each class may vary based on the participants and the instructor.

Classes offered in previous semesters

If you see a class below that you would like us to offer again, tell us.

Body Blast

A high intensity blast for your body! This class incorporates all the essentials into one powerful workout. Come experience a blast your body won't soon forget.

Butts and Guts

Want to firm up? Then get in here! Exercise for abs and gluteus maximus are the primary exercises. Additional exercises for legs and lower back are included. No warm up included so be ready to work!

Cardio Jazz

These powerfully fun and effective workouts will lift your spirits and strengthen your heart, muscles and core. Cardio Jazz is an introduction to Jazz dance movement, it includes simple dance steps in a fast-paced fashion to get you moving. You'll get a healthy dose of cardio, strength and stretch moves and finish up feeling energized and refreshed. You don't have to be a dancer to have fun taking Cardio Jazz! This class is open to all levels.

Circuit Weight Training

Sculpt and define every muscle group with the use of resistance bands, body bars, glide disks, and dumbbells. This non-cardio total body workout focuses on gradual resistance while conditioning one muscle group at a time. This workout is ideal for everyone since participants select their own resistance.

Fit to Move

This workout offers you safe, high-intensity, low-impact intervals, muscle conditioning, and a relaxing cool down all in one class! A true head to toe workout that is sure to improve your strength, stamina, balance and coordination.

Intermediate Mat Pilates

Condition the mind and body to strengthen the body's core unit. Series of mat work exercises will help to develop strength, flexibility and better body coordination while improving body alignment, and creating balance for more efficient movement. Classes will be at an intermediate level—but without stability balls—with the focus being on the flow, moving seamlessly from exercise to exercise while practicing the principles of Pilates: concentration, control, precision, breathing, and centering.

Intermediate Mat Pilates with Ball

The stability ball adds a new dimension to your Pilates mat workout. Having to utilize continuously the deep core muscles to balance on the ball will increase body alignment, coordination, and muscular control. The goals of mat Pilates—to lengthen and strengthen muscles, to improve posture and balance, to utilize breathing for concentration and facilitation, and to create stamina and energy—are enhanced through the use of the stability ball. This class is recommended for the client who is familiar with the various Pilates mat exercises and is able to engage the core muscles as stabilizers.

Latin Fusion

A unique, high-energy, fitness dance program that blends club, urban and Latin dance styles into a mind-blowing 60-minute class. You'll stomp, wiggle, giggle, shimmy, shake, slide and glide while getting in shape at the same time! Don't be shy, come on over and get your groove on tonight!

Mind Body Sampler

Each week sample a taste of the mind body connection through physical activity in this class. Aspects of yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, and more will be used week to week.

M.M.A. (Mixed Martial Arts)

This class introduces participants of all fitness levels to the fun, physical and mental challenges of martial arts. No prior martial arts experience is necessary. The class is available to all those interested in unifying mind and body by integrating meditative movement with conscious breathing. Punch and kick your way up to progressively challenging multi-level drills and routines. Experience this circuit workout utilizing many martial art techniques such as Tai-Chi, Chi-Kung, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Savate, Western Boxing, and Eastern Boxing.

Move and Groove

Move and Groove is a hip hop inspired group fitness class where you can workout, learn some great dance moves, and have a spectacular time! No dance experience necessary.

Pure Step

Bringing back the classic! Nothing but step combinations in a cardio class that offers variety, intensity, and energy! Get steppin'!

Saturday Sampler

A great cardio and strength workout for the exerciser that loves all group exercise. This class features a 60-minute smorgasbord of group exercise formats. You will never be bored with this weekend teaser.

Sculpting With the Ball

Get "on the ball" with a class that includes use of all types of balls. The format of this class combines warm up on the ball, stretching, stability, and strengthening exercises. Physio-balls and med balls will be used. This is a great class to add to your cardio routine!

physical exercises to improve flexibility and strength as well as breathing and relaxation exercises to potentially reduce stress, enhance concentration and self-awareness.

All classes are held in the Rice Gymnasium (Entrance #8 off University Blvd.) unless otherwise noted. Parking information is available at Rice Maps. For more information about the Fitness Program, contact AJ Beard, Assistant Director for Fitness at (713) 348-5765 or at fitness [at] rice.edu.