NOW HIRING: Recreational Sports is seeking certified Lifeguards and Membership Services Assistants for the spring and summer semesters. Click here to apply.
CONTINUING STUDENTS & RECENT GRADS: Spring and summer memberships are now available for purchase.Click to learn more.
CONTINUING STUDENTS & RECENT GRADS: Spring and summer memberships are now available for purchase.Click to learn more.
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 facilities are closed, our Group‑X instructors are coming to you live and will lead you in virtual workouts to enjoy anywhere. 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 live 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!
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. EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Loop resistance band and small blue ball (other options can be a small pillow or mini foam roller).
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.
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. EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Some kind of resistance equipment (e.g. dumbbells, barbell, resistance bands, backpack filled with books, milk jugs filled with water, canned goods, or any other weighted items that can be held).
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! EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Some kind of resistance equipment (e.g. dumbbells, barbell, resistance bands, backpack filled with books, milk jugs filled with water, canned goods, or any other weighted items that can be held).
This class focuses on clarity and well-being by helping you connect with your inner strength. You’ll build muscle and flexibility by using your breath to anchor each movement as you flow from one pose to the next. Modifications are offered to accommodate all skill levels. EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Open space with soft flooring (e.g. yoga mat, towel, carpet).
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.
Description: Looking to strengthen and shape your upper-body? By focusing on exercises that work the arms, shoulders, back and core, you will leave this class with the confidence to show off your guns!
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.
STRONG Nation® is a HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) class that syncs every move to a beat! This class combines bodyweight, cardio, muscle conditioning, and plyometric training moves synced to original music that has been specifically designed to match every single move. Every squat, every lunge, every burpee is driven by the music, helping you make it to that last rep, and maybe even five more. EQUIPMENT NEEDED (optional): Open space with soft flooring for push-ups, planks, etc. (e.g. yoga mat, towel, carpet)
This class will combine yoga poses (asanas) with breathing exercises (pranayama) to help align and calm your body, mind, and spirit in preparation for meditation. Hatha can be translated to mean balance or literally “sun” (ha) and “moon” (tha). Traditional asanas are held in accurate alignment. It develops strength, flexibility, endurance, and steadiness, bringing greater balance on all levels (body, mind and spirit). Modifications are offered to accommodate all skill levels. EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Open space with soft flooring (e.g. yoga mat, towel, carpet)
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.
Class Type - Floor -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.
This class focuses on clarity and well-being by helping you connect with your inner strength. You’ll build muscle and flexibility by using your breath to anchor each movement as you flow from one pose to the next. Modifications are offered to accommodate all skill levels. EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Open space with soft flooring (e.g. yoga mat, towel, carpet).
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! EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Some kind of resistance equipment (e.g. dumbbells, barbell, resistance bands, backpack filled with books, milk jugs filled with water, canned goods, or any other weighted items that can be held).
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.
Let the music move you in Strength & Sculpt. This beats-driven class combines cardio intervals 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 leave sweating and stronger!
This class will combine yoga poses (asanas) with breathing exercises (pranayama) to help align and calm your body, mind, and spirit in preparation for meditation. Hatha can be translated to mean balance or literally “sun” (ha) and “moon” (tha). Traditional asanas are held in accurate alignment. It develops strength, flexibility, endurance, and steadiness, bringing greater balance on all levels (body, mind and spirit). Modifications are offered to accommodate all skill levels. EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Open space with soft flooring (e.g. yoga mat, towel, carpet)
This class focuses on clarity and well-being by helping you connect with your inner strength. You’ll build muscle and flexibility by using your breath to anchor each movement as you flow from one pose to the next. Modifications are offered to accommodate all skill levels. EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Open space with soft flooring (e.g. yoga mat, towel, carpet).
This class focuses on clarity and well-being by helping you connect with your inner strength. You’ll build muscle and flexibility by using your breath to anchor each movement as you flow from one pose to the next. Modifications are offered to accommodate all skill levels. EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Open space with soft flooring (e.g. yoga mat, towel, carpet).
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.
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. EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Some kind of resistance equipment (e.g. dumbbells, barbell, resistance bands, backpack filled with books, milk jugs filled with water, canned goods, or any other weighted items that can be held).
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! EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Some kind of resistance equipment (e.g. dumbbells, barbell, resistance bands, backpack filled with books, milk jugs filled with water, canned goods, or any other weighted items that can be held).
Yoga Core offers core-strengthening exercises in a flowing format, with concentrated focus on your breath. Awaken your core and become strong both on and off your mat.
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.
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.
Class Type - Floor -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.
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. EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Some kind of resistance equipment (e.g. dumbbells, barbell, resistance bands, backpack filled with books, milk jugs filled with water, canned goods, or any other weighted items that can be held).
Looking to strengthen and shape your lower body? Exercises will focus on your glutes, hamstrings, quads and calves. EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Some kind of resistance equipment (e.g. dumbbells, barbell, resistance bands, backpack filled with books, milk jugs filled with water, canned goods, or any other weighted items that can be held).
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. EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Loop resistance band and small blue ball (other options can be a small pillow or mini foam roller).
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.
STRONG Nation® is a HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) class that syncs every move to a beat! This class combines bodyweight, cardio, muscle conditioning, and plyometric training moves synced to original music that has been specifically designed to match every single move. Every squat, every lunge, every burpee is driven by the music, helping you make it to that last rep, and maybe even five more. EQUIPMENT NEEDED (optional): Open space with soft flooring for push-ups, planks, etc. (e.g. yoga mat, towel, carpet)
This class combines gentle flowing sequences and restorative poses to decrease stress and improve range of motion and joint mobility. Restorative poses are deep stretches that are typically held for one to three minutes to loosen connective tissue. This soothing class will leave you feeling grounded and at peace. EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Open space with soft flooring (e.g. yoga mat, towel, carpet).
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. EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Some kind of resistance equipment (e.g. dumbbells, barbell, resistance bands, backpack filled with books, milk jugs filled with water, canned goods, or any other weighted items that can be held).
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.
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! EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Some kind of resistance equipment (e.g. dumbbells, barbell, resistance bands, backpack filled with books, milk jugs filled with water, canned goods, or any other weighted items that can be held).
This class focuses on clarity and well-being by helping you connect with your inner strength. You’ll build muscle and flexibility by using your breath to anchor each movement as you flow from one pose to the next. Modifications are offered to accommodate all skill levels. EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Open space with soft flooring (e.g. yoga mat, towel, carpet).
Virtual PiYo combines the muscle-sculpting, core-firming benefits of Pilates with the strength and flexibility advantages of yoga. We also crank up the speed to deliver a true fat-burning, low-impact workout that leaves your body feeling strong and invigorated. EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Open space with soft flooring (e.g. yoga mat, towel, carpet).
This class focuses on clarity and well-being by helping you connect with your inner strength. You’ll build muscle and flexibility by using your breath to anchor each movement as you flow from one pose to the next. Modifications are offered to accommodate all skill levels. EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Open space with soft flooring (e.g. yoga mat, towel, carpet).
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.
Buy your Group‑X Unlimited Virtual Class Pass to gain access to all our classes.
Find a class in the Group‑X schedule you’d like to join
Click on the class title name in the expanded class details.
Click on the orange Register/Join box
You’ll be taken to our webstore. Click the blue Register button. Registration closes 1 minute prior to the class start. We encourage you to register early.
Read the Group‑X participation waiver. Click the blue Accept Now button to agree to the waiver. *
You’ll see your shopping cart with your selected class. Click the blue Checkout button to confirm your registration
Click the blue Checkout button one more time and you’ll be set! Once registered, you can access class 30 minutes prior to the start time and up to 10 minutes after the start time.
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.
Make the most of your class
We want you to have the best experience possible with our virtual classes! We encourage you to turn on your video so our instructors can see you. Mute your audio to keep down background noise, but feel free to engage when it’s appropriate!
Rates & Buy a Pass
Buying your Group‑X Unlimited Pass allows you access to Group‑X classes for Spring and Summer 2021. For just $35, you can have access to virtual classes each week! Passes go on sale on April 21. Visit the Recreational Sports webstore to purchase your pass.
Once you’ve purchased a pass, you will receive an email confirmation and you can begin registering online and attending Group‑X classes immediately. See information above for how to access all classes. All pass sales are final and non-refundable.
All classes are drop-in. Please log in to class on-time. Admittance is not allowed 5 minutes after a class has started.
*You do not need to be a current Recreational Sports member or currently enrolled UM student to purchase the Group‑X Unlimited Virtual Class Pass.
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.
Cardio Hip Hop is a high-intensity dance workout that uses choreographed movements set to Hip Hop and Top 40 music. This non-stop dance party is very similar to Zumba and other dance-aerobic workouts. No dance experience required!
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.
This class combines gentle flowing sequences and restorative poses to decrease stress and improve range of motion and joint mobility. Restorative poses are deep stretches that are typically held for one to three minutes to loosen connective tissue. This soothing class will leave you feeling grounded and at peace.
After completing some gentle movements to calm and prepare for the guided meditation, your instructor will then guide you through a meditation experience designed to reduce stress, increase awareness of the present moment, promote relaxation and enhance personal and spiritual growth. Participants are encouraged to bring a pillow for support and shawl/small blanket for warmth.
Focus on your core! In this class you will develop your six-pack while working the obliques, back muscles, as well as the hips and glutes to develop a stronger, healthier core.
This class will combine yoga poses (asanas) with breathing exercises (pranayama) to help align and calm your body, mind, and spirit in preparation for meditation. Hatha can be translated to mean balance or literally “sun” (ha) and “moon” (tha). Traditional asanas are held in accurate alignment. It develops strength, flexibility, endurance, and steadiness, bringing greater balance on all levels (body, mind and spirit). Modifications are offered to accommodate all skill levels.
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!
Are you up to the challenge? This is a high-level intensity workout that will push you to new heights. (Due to the high level of activity, do not attend if you have any injuries.)
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.
Nike Training Club (NTC) is your ultimate training class that challenges you with strength, endurance and mobility drills. Each week changes with a mix of exercises, varying from bodyweight to full equipment. Get ready to work together, incorporating team/partner drills.
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.
PiYo combines the muscle-sculpting, core-firming benefits of Pilates with the strength and flexibility advantages of yoga. We also crank up the speed to deliver a true fat-burning, low-impact workout that leaves your body feeling strong and invigorated.
Let the music move you in Strength & Sculpt. This beats-driven class combines cardio intervals 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 leave sweating and stronger!
STRONG Nation® is a HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) class that syncs every move to a beat! This class combines bodyweight, cardio, muscle conditioning, and plyometric training moves synced to original music that has been specifically designed to match every single move. Every squat, every lunge, every burpee is driven by the music, helping you make it to that last rep, and maybe even five more. EQUIPMENT NEEDED (optional): Open space with soft flooring for push-ups, planks, etc. (e.g. yoga mat, towel, carpet)
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!
Looking to strengthen and shape your upper-body? By focusing on exercises that work the arms, shoulders, back and core, you will leave this class with the confidence to show off your guns!
Yoga Core offers core-strengthening exercises in a flowing format, with concentrated focus on your breath. Awaken your core and become strong both on and off your mat.
This class focuses on clarity and well-being by helping you connect with your inner strength. You’ll build muscle and flexibility by using your breath to anchor each movement as you flow from one pose to the next. Modifications are offered to accommodate all skill levels.
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.
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, experienced and motivated people to join our team. If you’d like to move from attending a class to leading it, start your journey now. We’ll guide your training, every step of the way.
Abra likes to teach group exercise because she wants o help people find a style of exercise that is fun for them so they will make exercise a permanent part of their lives. For many people, Group‑X is more enjoyable, less intimidating, and easier to adhere to than training alone. If she can help even one person find their love for exercise through Group‑X, she will feel very proud! This is directly in line with Abra’s health philosophy: health and fitness should be a lifestyle, not a phase, so make sure your diet/fitness plan is something you truly enjoy and can see yourself sticking to long-term. (Fun fact: Abra was born in Scotland and grew up in England!)
Alethea is pursuing a major in Neuroscience and a minor in German at U of M. She believes that physical activity is important for students at U of M because physical movement benefits the body as a book benefits the mind. As a community we should strive to be healthy mentally and physically. In addition to physical activity for physical health, Alethea’s favorite part of Ann Arbor helps with physical health: Freds (best acai bowls in town!)
Alex’s favorite part of Ann Arbor is the Arb. When she isn’t spending time there, she enjoys teaching yoga because her yoga practice has benefited her physical and mental health in so many ways. She wants to share these benefits with others. Alex feels physical activity is important for U of M students because it provides an escape from the stress of schoolwork where students can turn their focus inward and reflect. (Fun fact: Alex has a black lab puppy named Reina, which means “queen” in Spanish!)
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!)
Brendan likes to teach yoga because he loves to connect with participants at all levels and share with them the practices the have been so helpful to him. Through yoga and mediation, he tries to tune people into the power they have to shape their lives, emphasizing compassionate engagement with both mind and body. His health philosophy is that exercise and physical activity should be grounded in mindful awareness and openness in order to create ideal conditions for self-growth.
Camille likes to teach Zumba because she loves music and dancing, and loves to share this joy with others. She thinks that exercise is important to the U of M community because it is an essential part of mental and physical well-being. Doing this with others on campus enhances this experience! And that is Camille’s favorite part of U of M: the people.
Chloe is a HIGH Fitness group exercise instructor. She likes teaching group fitness classes because she says it is a thrill to be able to create and lead one. Her favorite part of Ann Arbor and U of M is the bookstores! Chloe thinks that physical activity is important for the U of M community because it keeps people energized and invigorated. Her personal health philosophy is do what brings you joy while keeping your health in mind. In other words, treat yourself to the ice cream but don’t forget to regularly eat vegetables and exercise and sleep!
Connor’s favorite part of U of M is that there is always something new and interesting going on! Whether it’s a football game or acapella concert there is always something fun to do and go see. Connor likes to see new things, as evidenced by his backpacking trip through Europe this past summer. Connor likes to teach tabata because it’s so inspiring and motivating watching somebody progress over time, while helping them reach their personal goals. His personal healthy philosophy follows this: strive for progress, not perfection.
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!
Joo Young teaches Zumba because she likes to motivate people to improve their health, and her students also inspire her to be healthier. She brings a unique and fun style to her Zumba classes through her study of American and Korean cultures (from hip hop to K-pop) that she incorporates into her classes. Joo Young say she loves every part of Ann Arbor, from its inclusive environment to the beautiful Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. Most importantly, she is blessed to have wonderful advisors, mentors, friends, colleagues, and students here.
Katy likes to teach group exercise because she enjoys motivating people to improve their health and fitness. She thinks working out in a group setting is very empowering! She also believes that life is about balance. You have to care for all parts of yourself to achieve your best health: physical, mental, and emotional. Katy encourages her participants to step out of their comfort zones. She stepped out of her personal comfort zone by starting Krav Maga a couple years ago!
Kavya likes to teach group exercise because she finds it incredible that people from all walks of life, backgrounds, and ages can come together for one hour a day and just focus on having fun and dancing to the beat of the music. This does wonders for both our physical and mental health! Her favorite thing about U of M is the loyalty that students and alumni have to the university. Wherever Kavya goes in the world, she almost always see people sporting their maize and blue. And she has been to a lot of places! She loves to travel and a few favorites have been Thailand, New Zealand, and South Africa.
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 just moved to Ann Arbor but she already loves the various parks and running trails. She has a goal to visit 30 national parks before she turns 30! She likes to teach group exercise because she loves to help people achieve their fitness goals in a fun workout environment. Her personal health philosophy is that health is more than just the active lifestyle one has; it encompasses the mind, body, and quality of life. Work hard and be proud of what you achieve!
Naomi’s favorite part of Ann Arbor is all of her amazing friends and the school spirit around U of M sports. Her health philosophy is that the best thing you can do is listen to and respect your body by giving it what it needs to be healthy. Balance is key to living a healthy life (U of M students can give their bodies something healthy with Naomi’s favorite healthy snack: banana and peanut butter!).
Nithya enjoys teaching yoga because she finds that yoga helps her feel centered and grounded, and offers a space to play, try new things, and experiment on the mat. She likes being able to offer this space to others. Nithya’s health philosophy is to think about health holistically – it’s the intersection of our environment, our communities, food, mobility, and access to healthcare resources. Fun fact: She recently started planting kitchen scraps, and is currently growing a pineapple plant, bell peppers, and bok choi (her carrot scraps didn’t re-grow quite as well as the others)
Ramona’s health philosophy is that fitness and well-being are a long-term commitment: don’t let one bad day derail you, get back on track! She thinks that physical activity is important for the U of M community because it helps with stress and encourages mental health; it fosters a more positive attitude towards one’s body. (Fun fact: Ramona could say, “Let’s do one more” in four different languages)
Rayut enjoys teaching Zumba because she likes how it makes her feel and how it inspires each participant to get their groove on and just express themselves. She is currently studying Public Health at U of M, which is in line with why she feels physical activity is important for U of M students: It’s an amazing release from everyday stressors and allows for an amazing healthy community to be a part of. Physical activity with group ex is fun, motivating, and Everyone is working at the same thing together! (Fun Fact: All of Rayut’s family is from South Africa!)
Sadie loves teaching group exercise because she has the opportunity to foster a warm and encouraging community at the University of Michigan and help others achieve their goals. She says that group fitness is about community, not competition, and she enjoys seeing her participants progress in an athletic manner as well as make new connections in her classes. In fact, Sadie’s love for teaching extends beyond Group‑X. She teaches STEM lessons to children in underserved school districts to encourage them to study these fields and disprove common stereotypes about STEM students and professionals. (Fun fact: Sadie’s favorite healthy snack is a banana cookie! You simply combine a banana, oats, peanut butter, and pieces of dark chocolate into little balls and bake. It is a delicious treat!)
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)
Serena cried when her mom made her go to her first zumba class 7 years ago (she was an angsty preteen, ok?), but now, she is incredibly passionate about teaching Zumba. The community aspect of a group fitness class is unlike anything she’s experienced before. She loves seeing familiar faces week after week and watching everyone get stronger together. Also, she thinks friendships that start in group fitness classes are where it’s at!
Sydney enjoys teaching group exercise because she loves seeing the smiles on people’s faces as they dance and work out. She believes that physical activity is important for U of M students because it acts as a way to break from the stressors and pressure of academics. When Sydney is not teaching Group‑X classes, she spends her on time on the Michigan Mock Trial Team. Additionally, her favorite thing about U of M is game days!
Sunhay likes to teach yoga because it continuously challenges her to deepen her practice, building that stronger mind-body connection and being curious about it. She particularly enjoys growing with her students in this way. Sunhay also likes gardening and seeing all the community gardens around Ann Arbor during the summer (Favorite healthy snack: salted dark chocolate)
Talia became a cycle instructor because she loves to motivate people to reach their fitness goals and use her passion for music to help her do so. She actually likes to mix music as well! Talia’s favorite part of U of M is the work-hard play-hard environment which complements why she feels physical activity is important for U of M students: taking an 30 minutes to 1 hour to challenge yourself physically allows you refresh your body and mind so you can refocus on your larger goals.
Tully believes that physical activity is important for the U of M community because it makes you feel good about yourself and that can lead to a healthier and happier community. Her health philosophy is everything in moderation! She likes to teach cycling because she likes getting to know the people in her class and watching them grow more confident (Fun fact: Tully speaks Spanish)
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)
