Group‑X gives you access to every fitness class we offer. From Gentle Yoga to Total Body Strength, Cycling to Hard Core, you’ll find classes that are as intense, or relaxed, as you are. And you’ll find that our engaging instructors and supportive class environment provide the perfect combination of motivation and fun!
No matter where you are, you can still move with your Group‑X community! As Recreational Sports ventures into a new hybrid space, our Group‑X instructors are coming to you live through virtual classes, and soon-to-be in-person, too! We’re committed to providing you with a safe and fun workout while promoting a holistic approach to well-being.
Check out our full schedule of classes below or subscribe to our YouTube channel to get started. These resources, along with others below, will keep you on track with pursuing your fitness goals!
Come to this fifty-minute class filled with the perfect balance of cardiovascular training and core conditioning. Our cardio drills will get your heart rate up while core exercises strengthen a variety of your muscle sets. Build your endurance and strength with this challenging and fun class.
This vinyasa-style yoga class focuses on building strength and flexibility through a new breath-to-movement flow each week. Flows incorporate dynamic transitions and balancing poses. Great for experienced practitioners while offering modifications to accommodate all skill levels.
Challenge and sculpt your body without risk of injury from overuse by using a sequence of movements within different ranges of motion. No barre necessarily required and minimal equipment is used.
Ditch the traditional workout and join the party! This Latin-inspired, dance-and-fitness class offers an exciting, exhilarating and effective workout. You’ll develop your stamina and your body tone with easy to follow dance moves, set to the fast and slow rhythms of cumbia, merengue, salsa, reggaeton, hip-hop, pop, mambo, rumba, flamenco, calypso and salsaton. No dance experience required
An invigorating, low-impact workout that combines motivating music and easy-to-follow instructions. No matter your skill level, you’ll enjoy a fun ride that will make you feel fit and full of energy.
HIGH Fitness is a hardcore, fun fitness class that incorporates aerobic interval training with music you love and intense, easy-to-follow fitness choreography. It combines FUN (pop songs of old and new that everyone knows) with INTENSITY (intervals, plyometrics, and cardio) with CONSISTENCY (each song has specific, simple moves taught the same by all instructors). HIGH Fitness produces full-body toning through its carefully formulated choreography that alternates between intense cardio peaks and toning tracks. Get Addicted to being fit!
Pilates improves flexibility, builds strength and develops control and endurance in the entire body. It puts emphasis on alignment, breathing, and developing a strong core often called the “powerhouse” in Pilates.
Ditch the traditional workout and join the party! This Latin-inspired, dance-and-fitness class offers an exciting, exhilarating and effective workout. You’ll develop your stamina and your body tone with easy to follow dance moves, set to the fast and slow rhythms of cumbia, merengue, salsa, reggaeton, hip-hop, pop, mambo, rumba, flamenco, calypso and salsaton. No dance experience required.
Each week the teacher will guide students through a new set of yoga poses. Focusing on the essential components of breath and alignment, students will spend more time holding each pose, focusing on building stamina and flexibility. This class is great for beginners as well as experienced students.
An invigorating, low-impact workout that combines motivating music and easy-to-follow instructions. No matter your skill level, you’ll enjoy a fun ride that will make you feel fit and full of energy
Each week the teacher will guide students through a new set of yoga poses. Focusing on the essential components of breath and alignment, students will spend more time holding each pose, focusing on building stamina and flexibility. This class is great for beginners as well as experienced students.
Looking for an intense, time-efficient full-body workout? Tabata is the most result-driven form of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training). In this class you will push yourself to the max and achieve full body fitness by completing a variety drills at specific work-rest ratios.
An invigorating, low-impact workout that combines motivating music and easy-to-follow instructions. No matter your skill level, you’ll enjoy a fun ride that will make you feel fit and full of energy.
This vinyasa-style yoga class focuses on building strength and flexibility through a new breath-to-movement flow each week. Flows incorporate dynamic transitions and balancing poses. Great for experienced practitioners while offering modifications to accommodate all skill levels.
Challenge and sculpt your body without risk of injury from overuse by using a sequence of movements within different ranges of motion. No barre necessarily required and minimal equipment is used.
Experience strength training like never before! Take this class if you want to strengthen every muscle in one workout. We’ll offer you instruction on how to use free weights effectively and safely. Whether you are an experienced lifter or have never lifted before, this class is right for you!
Experience strength training like never before! Take this class if you want to strengthen every muscle in one workout. We’ll offer you instruction on how to use free weights effectively and safely. Whether you are an experienced lifter or have never lifted before, this class is right for you!
Ditch the traditional workout and join the party! This Latin-inspired, dance-and-fitness class offers an exciting, exhilarating and effective workout. You’ll develop your stamina and your body tone with easy to follow dance moves, set to the fast and slow rhythms of cumbia, merengue, salsa, reggaeton, hip-hop, pop, mambo, rumba, flamenco, calypso and salsaton. No dance experience required.
This class focuses on calming the mind and body through a gentle meditative flow combined with a yin series. Yin postures entail holding deep, restorative stretches at your level, often incorporating props such as blocks and straps.
Each week the teacher will guide students through a new set of yoga poses. Focusing on the essential components of breath and alignment, students will spend more time holding each pose, focusing on building stamina and flexibility. This class is great for beginners as well as experienced students.
An invigorating, low-impact workout that combines motivating music and easy-to-follow instructions. No matter your skill level, you’ll enjoy a fun ride that will make you feel fit and full of energy.
Looking for an intense, time-efficient full-body workout? Tabata is the most result-driven form of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training). In this class you will push yourself to the max and achieve full body fitness by completing a variety drills at specific work-rest ratios.
An invigorating, low-impact workout that combines motivating music and easy-to-follow instructions. No matter your skill level, you’ll enjoy a fun ride that will make you feel fit and full of energy. Class registration opens 7 days prior to the class start & closes 30 minutes prior to the class start.
Experience strength training like never before! Take this class if you want to strengthen every muscle in one workout. We’ll offer you instruction on how to use free weights effectively and safely. Whether you are an experienced lifter or have never lifted before, this class is right for you! Class registration opens 7 days prior to class and closes 30 minutes before class start.
This vinyasa-style yoga class focuses on building strength and flexibility through a new breath-to-movement flow each week. Flows incorporate dynamic transitions and balancing poses. Great for experienced practitioners while offering modifications to accommodate all skill levels. Registration opens 7 days before class and closes 30 minutes prior to the class start.
Ditch the traditional workout and join the party! This Latin-inspired, dance-and-fitness class offers an exciting, exhilarating and effective workout. You’ll develop your stamina and your body tone with easy to follow dance moves, set to the fast and slow rhythms of cumbia, merengue, salsa, reggaeton, hip-hop, pop, mambo, rumba, flamenco, calypso and salsaton. No dance experience required. Registration opens 7 days before class and closes 30 minutes prior the class start.
This class is for those who want to party, and put extra emphasis on toning and sculpting to define those muscles! Lightweight maraca-like Toning Sticks enhance the sense of rhythm and coordination while toning target zones, including arms, core, and lower body.
An invigorating, low-impact workout that combines motivating music and easy-to-follow instructions. No matter your skill level, you’ll enjoy a fun ride that will make you feel fit and full of energy. Class registration opens 7 days prior to the class start & closes 30 minutes prior to the class start.
Do you want an intense workout? How about an environment that offers the support and encouragement you need to reach your peak performance? Then this class is for you! Metabolic Circuit is based on fun strength and cardio drills.
HIGH Fitness is a hardcore, fun fitness class that incorporates aerobic interval training with music you love and intense, easy-to-follow fitness choreography. It combines FUN (pop songs of old and new that everyone knows) with INTENSITY (intervals, plyometrics, and cardio) with CONSISTENCY (each song has specific, simple moves taught the same by all instructors). HIGH Fitness produces full-body toning through its carefully formulated choreography that alternates between intense cardio peaks and toning tracks. Get Addicted to being fit!
Each week the teacher will guide students through a new set of yoga poses. Focusing on the essential components of breath and alignment, students will spend more time holding each pose, focusing on building stamina and flexibility. This class is great for beginners as well as experienced students.
Ditch the traditional workout and join the party! This Latin-inspired, dance-and-fitness class offers an exciting, exhilarating and effective workout. You’ll develop your stamina and your body tone with easy to follow dance moves, set to the fast and slow rhythms of cumbia, merengue, salsa, reggaeton, hip-hop, pop, mambo, rumba, flamenco, calypso and salsaton. No dance experience required.
This class focuses on calming the mind and body through a gentle meditative flow combined with a yin series. Yin postures entail holding deep, restorative stretches at your level, often incorporating props such as blocks and straps. Registration opens 7 days before class and closes 30 minutes prior to the class start.
An invigorating, low-impact workout that combines motivating music and easy-to-follow instructions. Mo matter your skill level, you'll enjoy a fun ride that will make you feel fit and full of energy. Class registration opens 7 days prior to the class start and closes 30 minutes prior to class start.
An invigorating, low-impact workout that combines motivating music and easy-to-follow instructions. No matter your skill level, you’ll enjoy a fun ride that will make you feel fit and full of energy. Class registration opens 7 days prior to the class start & closes 30 minutes prior to the class start.
Challenge and sculpt your body without risk of injury from overuse by using a sequence of movements within different ranges of motion. No barre necessarily required and minimal equipment is used. Registration opens 7 days before class and closes 30minutes prior to the class start.
Looking for an intense, time-efficient full-body workout? Tabata is the most result-driven form of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training). In this class you will push yourself to the max and achieve full body fitness by completing a variety drills at specific work-rest ratios.
Experience strength training like never before! Take this class if you want to strengthen every muscle in one workout. We’ll offer you instruction on how to use free weights effectively and safely. Whether you are an experienced lifter or have never lifted before, this class is right for you! Class registration opens 7 days prior to class and closes 30 minutes before class start.
Ditch the traditional workout and join the party! This Latin-inspired, dance-and-fitness class offers an exciting, exhilarating and effective workout. You’ll develop your stamina and your body tone with easy to follow dance moves, set to the fast and slow rhythms of cumbia, merengue, salsa, reggaeton, hip-hop, pop, mambo, rumba, flamenco, calypso and salsaton. No dance experience required. Registration for this in person class opens 7 days prior to the class and closes 30 minutes prior to the class start.
Ditch the traditional workout and join the party! This Latin-inspired, dance-and-fitness class offers an exciting, exhilarating and effective workout. You’ll develop your stamina and your body tone with easy to follow dance moves, set to the fast and slow rhythms of cumbia, merengue, salsa, reggaeton, hip-hop, pop, mambo, rumba, flamenco, calypso and salsaton. No dance experience required. Registration opens 7 days before class and closes 30 minutes prior the class start.
Let the music move you in Strength & Sculpt. This beats-driven class combines cardio intervlas and body weight training to provide you with a workout experience designed to fit your goals and desires. From squats and burpees to planks and push-ups, Strength & Sculpt syncs music and movement to target major muscle groups. You will sweating and stronger!
HIGH Fitness is a hardcore, fun fitness class that incorporates aerobic interval training with music you love and intense, easy-to-follow fitness choreography. It combines FUN (pop songs of old and new that everyone knows) with INTENSITY (intervals, plyometrics, and cardio) with CONSISTENCY (each song has specific, simple moves taught the same by all instructors). HIGH Fitness produces full-body toning through its carefully formulated choreography that alternates between intense cardio peaks and toning tracks. Get Addicted to being fit!
This vinyasa-style yoga class focuses on building strength and flexibility through a new breath-to-movement flow each week. Flows incorporate dynamic transitions and balancing poses. Great for experienced practitioners while offering modifications to accommodate all skill levels. Registration opens 7 days before class and closes 30 minutes prior to the class start.
This class focuses on calming the mind and body through a gentle meditative flow combined with a yin series. Yin postures entail holding deep, restorative stretches at your level, often incorporating props such as blocks and straps. Registration opens 7 days before class and closes 30 minutes prior to the class start.
Each week the teacher will guide students through a new set of yoga poses. Focusing on the essential components of breath and alignment, students will spend more time holding each pose, focusing on building stamina and flexibility. This class is great for beginners as well as experienced students.
An invigorating, low-impact workout that combines motivating music and easy-to-follow instructions. Mo matter your skill level, you'll enjoy a fun ride that will make you feel fit and full of energy. Class registration opens 7 days prior to the class start and closes 30 minutes prior to class start.
Each week the teacher will guide students through a new set of yoga poses. Focusing on the essential components of breath and alignment, students will spend more time holding each pose, focusing on building stamina and flexibility. This class is great for beginners as well as experienced students.
An invigorating, low-impact workout that combines motivating music and easy-to-follow instructions. Mo matter your skill level, you'll enjoy a fun ride that will make you feel fit and full of energy. Class registration opens 7 days prior to the class start and closes 30 minutes prior to class start.
Do you want an intense workout? How about an environment that offers the support and encouragement you need to reach your peak performance? Then this class is for you! Metabolic Circuit is based on fun strength and cardio drills.
Experience strength training like never before! Take this class if you want to strengthen every muscle in one workout. We’ll offer you instruction on how to use free weights effectively and safely. Whether you are an experienced lifter or have never lifted before, this class is right for you! Class registration opens 7 days prior to class and closes 30 minutes before class start.
This vinyasa-style yoga class focuses on building strength and flexibility through a new breath-to-movement flow each week. Flows incorporate dynamic transitions and balancing poses. Great for experienced practitioners while offering modifications to accommodate all skill levels. Registration opens 7 days before class and closes 30 minutes prior to the class start.
This vinyasa-style yoga class focuses on building strength and flexibility through a new breath-to-movement flow each week. Flows incorporate dynamic transitions and balancing poses. Great for experienced practitioners while offering modifications to accommodate all skill levels. Registration opens 7 days before class and closes 30 minutes prior to the class start.
HIGH Fitness is a hardcore, fun fitness class that incorporates aerobic interval training with music you love and intense, easy-to-follow fitness choreography. It combines FUN (pop songs of old and new that everyone knows) with INTENSITY (intervals, plyometrics, and cardio) with CONSISTENCY (each song has specific, simple moves taught the same by all instructors). HIGH Fitness produces full-body toning through its carefully formulated choreography that alternates between intense cardio peaks and toning tracks. Get Addicted to being fit!
This vinyasa-style yoga class focuses on building strength and flexibility through a new breath-to-movement flow each week. Flows incorporate dynamic transitions and balancing poses. Great for experienced practitioners while offering modifications to accommodate all skill levels. Registration opens 7 days before class and closes 30 minutes prior to the class start.
Ditch the traditional workout and join the party! This Latin-inspired, dance-and-fitness class offers an exciting, exhilarating and effective workout. You’ll develop your stamina and your body tone with easy to follow dance moves, set to the fast and slow rhythms of cumbia, merengue, salsa, reggaeton, hip-hop, pop, mambo, rumba, flamenco, calypso and salsaton. No dance experience required.
Buying your Group‑X Unlimited Pass allows you access to Group‑X classes all semester long. The unlimited pass provides you access to all virtual classes or in-person classes each week. You must be a current Recreational Sports member or currently enrolled UM student to purchase our in-person pass, however, anyone can buy our Virtual Class Pass option!
Visit the Recreational Sports webstore to purchase your pass. Winter pass sales begin on December 10. All pass sales are final and non-refundable.
Once you’ve purchased a pass, you will receive an email confirmation. You can begin registering online and attending Group‑X classes immediately. Registration secures your spot in a class. If you know you can’t make it to class, be sure to drop your registration so that someone else can attend, especially for our in-person classes. See the information below for how to access all classes.
If you are a non-student or not a Rec Sports member, you will need to sign up for an account through the web store
In order to register for classes after September 7, you will need to purchase the Group‑X Unlimited Virtual Class Pass.
Once you have the Group‑X Unlimited Virtual Class Pass, you may register for any class.
Registration closes 1 minute before the class start time. Once registered you will receive a confirmation email. You can join class via the details in that email, including through the calendar invite. You can also log into your web store Profile, go to Programs and join from there.
Once registered for a class, you can check-in (access the Zoom meeting) 30 minutes prior to the start of class and up to 10 minutes after the start of class.
Check-in and Move!
We want you to have the best experience possible with us, whether online or in our spaces, so please arrive or virtually check-in to class on time. All classes, virtual and in-person, are drop-in. We encourage you to turn on your video so our instructors can see you if you’re at home. Mute your audio to keep down background noise, but feel free to engage when it’s appropriate!
Registration Timeframe
Check-in Timeframe
In-Person Class
Opens 7 days prior to the class. Closes 30 minutes before the start of class.
Available 15 minutes before the start of class and up to 5 minutes after the class start time.
Virtual Class
Opens 120 days prior to the class. Closes 1 minute before the start of class.
Available 30 minutes before the start of class and up to 10 minutes after the class start time.
Class Descriptions
We offer four types of classes: Floor (Strength and Cardio), Dance, Mind/Body, Cycling. Class offerings may vary semester to semester. Please see our calendar for the current semester’s schedule.
Challenge and sculpt your body without risk of injury from overuse by using a sequence of movements within different ranges of motion. No barre necessarily required and minimal equipment is used.
Come to this fifty-minute class filled with the perfect balance of cardiovascular training and core conditioning. Our cardio drills will get your heart rate up while core exercises strengthen a variety of your muscle sets. Build your endurance and strength with this challenging and fun class.
Come punch and kick to the beat of great music! In this quick-paced cardio class, your body will stay in motion as you build strength, endurance, and confidence. People of all fitness levels will get results at this fun and challenging class.
An invigorating, low-impact workout that combines motivating music and easy-to-follow instructions. No matter your skill level, you’ll enjoy a fun ride that will make you feel fit and full of energy.
HIGH Fitness is a hardcore, fun fitness class that incorporates aerobic interval training with music you love and intense, easy-to-follow fitness choreography. It combines FUN (pop songs of old and new that everyone knows) with INTENSITY (intervals, plyometrics, and cardio) with CONSISTENCY (each song has specific, simple moves taught the same by all instructors). HIGH Fitness produces full-body toning through its carefully formulated choreography that alternates between intense cardio peaks and toning tracks. Get Addicted to being fit!
Do you want an intense workout? How about an environment that offers the support and encouragement you need to reach your peak performance? Then this class is for you! Metabolic Circuit is based on fun strength and cardio drills. You’ll use a variety of equipment like kettlebells, BOSU balance balls, TRX, TRX Rip Trainer and gliding discs all designed to push you to your limits.
Pilates improves flexibility, builds strength and develops control and endurance in the entire body. It puts emphasis on alignment, breathing, and developing a strong core often called the “powerhouse” in Pilates.
This vinyasa-style yoga class focuses on building strength and flexibility through a new breath-to-movement flow each week. Flows incorporate dynamic transitions and balancing poses. Great for experienced practitioners while offering modifications to accommodate all skill levels.
This class focuses on calming the mind and body through a gentle meditative flow combined with a yin series. Yin postures entail holding deep, restorative stretches at your level, often incorporating props such as blocks and straps.
Each week the teacher will guide students through a new set of yoga poses. Focusing on the essential components of breath and alignment, students will spend more time holding each pose, focusing on building stamina and flexibility. This class is great for beginners as well as experienced students.
Just like STRONG Nation classes using body weight, muscle conditioning, cardio and plyometric training moves but packed into 30 minutes. This efficient and focused class helps you fit fitness into any schedule.
Looking for an intense, time-efficient full-body workout? Tabata is the most result-driven form of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training). In this class you will push yourself to the max and achieve full body fitness by completing a variety drills at specific work-rest ratios.
Experience strength training like never before! Take this class if you want to strengthen every muscle in one workout. We’ll offer you instruction on how to use free weights effectively and safely. Whether you are an experienced lifter or have never lifted before, this class is right for you!
Ditch the traditional workout and join the party! This Latin-inspired, dance-and-fitness class offers an exciting, exhilarating and effective workout. You’ll develop your stamina and your body tone with easy to follow dance moves, set to the fast and slow rhythms of cumbia, merengue, salsa, reggaeton, hip-hop, pop, mambo, rumba, flamenco, calypso and salsaton. No dance experience required.
This class is for those who want to party, but put extra emphasis on toning and sculpting to define those muscles! Lightweight maraca-like Toning Sticks enhance the sense of rhythm and coordination while toning target zones, including arms, core, and lower body.
Group-X has given me something to look forward to every day and feel good about myself.
Group-X has definitely made exercise and fitness more accessible to me. It makes me feel good and I've loved all the classes I've taken.
This is the only way I feel comfortable exercising! Thank you!
Please note, you will be taken to the Zumba® website to register for the Zumba® Basic 1. This introductory training will give you the tools you need to lead your own Zumba® class. Learn the Zumba® formula, the four basic rhythms and more! Get 65% off the registration by using this code AFFGYMUMRS65.
Date: Sunday, October 23, 2022
Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Cost: $399
Location: CCRB – Fitness 1 (401 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109)
The first step to becoming an instructor is getting your certification. Check the resources below for more details on how to become certified. Once certified, you’re eligible to teach for Group‑X and other fitness centers.
We understand how busy life at U‑M can be, so let us bring private fitness instruction to you with Group‑X On-the-Go. Our instructors will come to your on-campus location or live stream virtually to provide your group/team with a customized class of your choice. Please complete the following information three weeks in advance of your event so we get you and your group moving. (NOTE: If you prefer to use a Rec Sports facility, you must complete a Facility Rental request first and indicate you also want a Group‑X On-the-Go class. Once an agreement is finalized, we will proceed to find an instructor for your event. Do not complete this form.)
Become an Instructor
We’re always looking for energetic and motivated people to join our team.
New Instructors
If you’re a U‑M Student who would like to move from attending a class to leading it, start your journey now. We’ll guide your training, every step of the way with our Mentorship Program.
Mentorship Program
The mentorship program is a paid position with Recreational Sports and is highly recommended for those without a certification or those who have been newly certified.
Upon completion of the mentorship program, we require that you be able to teach on our schedule for at least a full academic year. At the end of the mentorship program, you will be required to receive a national certification to officially teach for Group‑X.
The mentoring will combine classroom lectures with a focus on the application of exercise science, practical experience in the form of teaching, shadowing, and constructive feedback to prepare you to teach your first Group‑X class.
In Fall 2022 we will be offering 2 mentorship groups:
Cycle
Strength/Conditioning
Please see the dates below for the Fall 2022 mentoring process. Applications are due September 15, 2022. Apply here. The application process will include a Zoom Interview between September 14 – September 16th and an audition/movement demonstration on September 19th or 20th
Mandatory Workshop Dates: Every Tuesday or Thursday (depending on your mentorship group) from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm starting September 29 – November 17, 2022
Anita has been teaching yoga for eight years. She likes to teach yoga because she appreciates having the opportunity to share the practice she loves and witness the transformation that can occur in students over the span of just one class. Anita believes that physical activity is important for U of M students because physical activity is such a wonderful way to re-connect with the body and expand the boundaries of our comfort zone. (Anita’s favorite healthy snack is watermelon when it is in season, or apple slices with sun butter. Give it a try!)
Bhavani likes teaching yoga because growing up, she was never an athlete and was always intimidated by sports and physical activity. She loves to teach to bring out peoples’ inner confidence and to help them feel energized and ready to face anything. Fun fact: Bhavani was influenced by yoga at a young age by her grandfather, who was a Sanskrit professor, and her exposure to the Bhagavad Gita, certain portions of which she memorized for competitions at her temple.
Camille lives in Ann Arbor. She graduated in 2014 and 2015 and now work as a social worker at UM hospital. She started teaching because she loved attending the Zumba classes through Rec Sports when she was a student and would do the dances she could remember alone in my dorm room :)
Certifications: Zumba & Zumba Toning
Why do you love Rec Sports? I love meeting new students every year and seeing the retuning students from year to year!
Chloe is from Virginia and recently completed her MSW at UM. She started teaching High 3 years ago after having so much fun as a participant in classes at her gym! She works full-time at Mott hospital and enjoys playing with her 1 year old daughter.
Certifications: HIGH Fitness
Why do you love Rec Sports? Because group fitness is energizing
Clay is a PhD student in Ethnomusicology and is originally from Connecticut, however they often call Philadelphia and New York home. Outside of the academic and fitness classrooms, they are a competitive weightlifter, musician and baker. Clay started teaching GroupX so they could get more people excited about the empowering world of weight training.
Certifications: ISSA Personal Trainer
What do you love about Rec Sports? It is so accessible and student focused.
Cristina is an undergraduate student from Saline, Michigan studying Vocal Performance and Psychology! She has always loved doing yoga, and is grateful for the privilege to share that passion with others. The physical movement, combined with breath and meditative practices, benefits her as a musician, runner, student, and being.
Certifications: RYT 200
Why do you love Rec Sports? I love Rec Sports because I am able to share my love for yoga directly with the University of Michigan Community! I am also able to attend classes and use Rec Sports to connect with other students who have similar interests.
What is your favorite snack? My favorite snack is definitely a bowl of fruit!
Damilare’s health philosophy is that fitness should be safe and fun while promoting the health and wellness of the body, mind, and spirit. He likes to teach Zumba because he enjoys dancing, spreading joy, and encouraging, inspiring and lifting people up. Zumba/Dance Fitness provides him the perfect format to do all that. Damilare also likes traveling (currently at 34 U.S. States visited, 24 countries internationally travelled to, and 8 countries lived in across 4 continents).
Elizabeth likes teaching group exercise because she loves creating music-driven workouts and then sharing her high energy vibe. To her, teaching classes is more than just leading a workout – it’s building a community of people who come together and share an experience. Her favorite thing about U of M is the amazing and strong organizational behavior, sociology, and psychology departments! She feels truly fortunate to be a part of a powerhouse of thinkers. And for a fun fact, Elizabeth participated in an archaeological dig at Catalhoyuk, Turkey for a summer during undergrad at Stanford. She found a worship site as well as exhumed a skeleton by herself!
Jorja is an undergraduate student from Dimondale, Michigan, hoping to go into medicine. She started teaching because she wants to empower other people to feel good about themselves and see what their body is capable of! She enjoys taking care of her plants, spending time outside, and reading.
Certifications: ACE Group Fitness Instructor
Why do you love Rec Sports? It’s an incredibly supportive community where everyone is encouraged to be their best, healthiest selves, whatever that means to them.
She likes to teach group exercise because she likes to share her passion and energy for exercise and well-being with others. Her health philosophy is to find activities you like so you are motivated to do them and they’re fun in order to help balance your work and social life. This past summer, she participated in an activity she likes: she competed in Dances with Dirt, a team 100k trail run through Hell, MI!
Mack’s favorite part of Ann Arbor is being able to walk everywhere and explore! She spots something new that she didn’t notice before every time she walks around campus or through the city (although her walks around the city may not be quite the same as the time she climbed an active volcano in Nicaragua). She likes to teach because she loves the idea of being able to lead a workout that doesn’t necessarily feel like a workout. People can come to class just to move and have fun knowing that they are doing something good for their minds and bodies.
Maddy grew up in Western New York and went to Purdue University for Visual Communications Design. Currently, she works for the University as a Web Developer & Designer. She first took a GroupX class in 2014 at Purdue and I met some of her closest friends in those classes! She began teaching GroupX a year later because she wanted to be apart of the community. She loves to help others achieve their fitness goals in a fun and welcoming environment. She is an avid distance runner, mountain biker, coffee enthusiast and knitter!
Certifications: ACE Group Fitness Instructor, BOSU, Mat Pilates
Why do you love Rec Sports? I love rec sports because of the amazing community! It is a welcoming and fun environment. Rec sports has a lot of offerings that can be great to try new things and make new connections. You will always find someone with similar interests!
Madeleine is a graduate student in the School of Information and have been teaching classes at UM Rec Sports since Fall 2021. She started her Rec Sports journey as a lifeguard, but then found that teaching GroupX classes was a great way to combine two of her passions: music and fitness.
Certifications: Schwinn Cycle
Why do you love Rec Sports? From IM sports to group fitness to personal training, there’s a Rec Sports program for everyone – regardless of skill level!
Nali is from Puerto Rico. Her Passion is DANCE. She has 20 years of experience in Professional Dancing. (Strongest Latin) Always needs music in her life.
She loves teaching. Loves the energy and motivation.
She is a proud mom and works in the medical field at the University. Happy Busy Bee!!!
Certifications: Barre Above, Dance & Latin Ballroom, Zumba
Why do you love Rec Sports? Love the diversity on different cultures, the ambience and energy.
Sarah feels that physical activity is important for the U of M community because beyond the physical benefits, activity helps with well-being and learning in other areas of life. Most importantly, she has noticed that physical activity is another area for students, herself included, to let go of perfection and learn that progress, growth, and learning are part of everything. (Fun facts: Sarah recently trained her dog to stop eating her running socks, and she also has lived in Spain twice)
Sophie is from Aurora, CO and recently moved to Michigan for her husband to finish up schooling at U of M! She loves fitness and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science. She work full time at a Neuro PT Clinic and loves teaching Group Fitness in her free time. Group Fitness is such a fun way to meet new people and to show appreciation for our bodies through exercise. She enjoys movies, college football, and anything outdoors!
Certifications: HIGH Fitness
Why do you love Rec Sports? I love Rec Sports because I think it is a great way to meet new people. There is such a wide variety of people that you may not normally have the opportunity to interact with and I feel like there is something for everyone at Rec Sports. There is a great community and it is a wonderful place to progress as well.
What is your favorite snack? Movie Theater Popcorn
Taryn’s health philosophy is to always honor YOUR body! Do not compare yourself to others. This closely aligns with why she enjoys teaching yoga: she loves building a sense of community. Yoga has been a powerful component in her life, and she enjoys passing on that same love and appreciation to her participants. Taryn feels that physical activity is important to the U of M community because it allows time for a break, time for yourself, and time for you to give back to your body. Breaks are just as important as studying and working!
Xueye likes to teach cycling because she likes to help people to improve their fitness and she feels happy when she see people enjoy the workout. Teaching also helps Xueye to relieve stress and meet more people. Her health philosophy is that the greatest gift you can give your family and the world is a healthy you. Students can maintain their health with Xueye’s favorite healthy snack: avocado, Greek yogurt, and nuts! (Fun fact: Xueye ran her first marathon in Ann Arbor earlier this year)
