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!
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).
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. 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.
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.
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, 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. This class is free to anyone with a Rec Sports Membership!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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. Class registration opens 7 days prior to the class start & 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.
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. 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!
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!
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 unlimited pass, however, anyone can buy our Virtual Class Pass option!
Visit the Recreational Sports webstore to purchase your pass. Spring & Summer pass sales begin on April 19. 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 75% off the registration by using this code AFFGYMUMRS70.
Please note, you will be taken to the Zumba® website to register for the Zumba® Rhythms 3. Spice up your classes with 4 brand-new rhythms: Brazilian Funk, Bhangra, Afrobeat and Street Heat. Get 75% off the registration by using this code AFFGYMUMRS70.
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!
Mentorship Program
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. 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 and complete a 30 minute audition 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.
Fall 2023 Mentorship Program
Length – 9 weeks; September – November
Formats – General cardio and strength classes and Cycle
Next Steps to join Fall 2023 Mentorship Program:
Apply for the Exercise Instructor position, and indicate which teaching format you are interested in.
Email, recsportsgroupx@umich.edu, with any questions.
For Established Instructors
● Apply here. You can always contact us for more information, recsportsgroupx@umich.edu
Ahab grew up in Oakland, California and moved across the country to study Chemistry and Neuroscience at Harvard University. At the University of Michigan, he is pursuing an MD/PhD and lives in the intersection between his love for research and his passion for patient care. He began teaching group fitness in college and is ecstatic that he can continue leading fun, energetic, and music-filled classes at Michigan. When he is not in the hospital, lab, or classroom, he loves running, reading, and getting boba with friends.
Certifications: ACE Group Fitness Instructor and Schwinn Indoor Cycle
Why do you love Rec Sports? I love the community, energy, and comradery we are able to create in our Group X classes!
Andy is from the west side of the state; her hometown is Grand Haven, Michigan. She was trained there at the Sacred Moon School of Yoga and have been teaching since November of 2021. She loves to hike with her dog, do yoga, and binge-watch shows when not studying. She started yoga teacher training when getting out of a bad relationship, and needed something to keep herself busy and remember to take time to just be with herself and relax. That self-love and desire to be active have kept her teaching and learning more about her yoga practice.
Certifications: 200 Hour training from Sacred Moon School of Yoga
Why do you love Rec Sports? I love rec sports because it is an accessible way for students like me to stay active on campus. Rec sports is a diverse environment that has so many options of classes to choose from to stay active while living in Ann Arbor.
What is your favorite snack? Sweetarts and chocolate covered peanuts
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!)
Ayodele is from Lima, Ohio studying public policy with a minor in business administration. Apart from academics and school, she loves to cook, read, take walks, and is a huge music fan. She started teaching because she loves working out and have learned a lot about herself and life since going to the gym, and want to share it with others.
Certifications: ACE Group Fitness Instructor & ACE Functional Training Specialist
Why do you love Rec Sports? Rec Sports has so many amazing different classes and awesome instructors that are at an affordable price to students! Their services and care to students is truly unmatched!
What is your favorite snack? Cheez Its or yogurt parfait
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!
Cary is from China. She is into K-pop songs so if you like dance with K-pop songs or you want to learn more about K-pop, welcome to Cary’s Zumba class~~
Certifications: Zumba
Why do you love Rec Sports? I feel like there are much less Asian Zumba instructors in this industry so I’m in :)
Charlotte is from San Jose, CA and has spent a lot of time in Spain and Germany. She is excited to teach as a group fitness instructor because she loves encouraging and motivating people to exercise! Additionally, she loves dancing, boxing, and meeting people from different countries.
Certifications: ACE Group Fitness Instructor
Why do you love Rec Sports? I love rec sports because of the variety of classes and activities offered and the inclusive nature of the program.
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.
Courtney has been practicing yoga for 10 years while working as a pediatric ICU nurse. Now, as a graduate student, she sees the similarities between being a nurse and a student: long hours, living on caffeine, and the occasional all-nighter! Yoga is a practice to reconnect the mind and body with healthy habits, and to balance the stress of everyday life. Courtney believes there is a style of yoga for everyone, don’t be afraid to try something new. There is nothing more empowering than surprising yourself over what you’re capable of achieving!
Certifications: 200 Hour RYT
Why do you love Rec Sports? I love the diverse community of people who are brought together by rec sports!
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).
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.
Kate is from Los Angeles, CA studying Information Science and Social Work. She has been practicing yoga for over 4 years. Yoga has helped her bridge the gap between mental and physical well-being, serving as a way to recharge her body and mind. The sense of community she found in this practice is special to her, and she hopes to cultivate an inclusive and supportive environment for all students to learn and grow in.
Certifications: Yoga Sculpt through Core Power Yoga
Why do you love Rec Sports? Rec Sports truly promotes amazing values and has allowed me to connect with others over shared interests relating to fitness and wellness.
Kerrigan is currently a law student here at UM and she was also here for undergrad. She chose to get her yoga teaching certification as a way of deepening her own personal practice, but quickly fell in love with leading classes and encouraging her students.
Certifications: 200 Hour RYT
Why do you love Rec Sports? I love how accessible it is and how inspiring the whole community is!
Kitty grew up in a small town in the upper peninsula. When she was younger, she did a lot of endurance sports but could not continue this due to a severe back injury. Fortunately, she discovered yoga, which helped her to heal both physically and mentally. She loves connecting with nature, and often this means taking her practice off the mat and into the woods, garden or park. She is currently getting her masters of public health, and hopes to continue growing as a yoga teacher to help others prioritize wellness for body mind and spirit.
Certifications: 200 Hour RYT
Why do you love Rec Sports? I love rec sports because we really are a team. Instructors as well as class participants support and uplift each other instead of competing. I learn every day from the students that attend my classes and I hope that they learn from me as well. Rec sports is inclusive by providing a movement practice for all bodies, no matter what your wellness or fitness goals might be!
Lillie is a senior majoring in exercise science from Raleigh, North Carolina! She has always been a competitive athlete and had a passion for health and wellness. When she started her exercise science degree, she discovered how much she loved learning about fitness and wanted to use this passion to help others. She started teaching Cycle last year and loves meeting participants and connecting with one another through group exercise!
Certifications: Keiser Cycling
Why do you love Rec Sports? I love that Rec Sports provides an open and welcoming community on our campus for individuals from any background to pursue their fitness journeys.
What is your favorite snack? Apples and peanut butter
Lori grew up in a small town in the Thumb called Unionville. She loves being outside in the summer and playing tennis. She started teaching because she loves the energy you get when taking classes with others, and likes motivating people to work hard toward feeling healthy.
Certifications: AFAA Group Fitness Instructor, Spinning, Yogafit
Why do you love Rec Sports? I love Rec Sports because of the variety of classes they offer and the support they give you toward improving your skills.
What is your favorite snack? Bananas and trail mix
Mack grew up as a competitive dancer, so Zumba became a way for her to explore her love of teaching and dancing within the group fitness community!
Certifications: Zumba
Why do you love Rec Sports? I love rec sports for the inclusivity and versatility of its programs! We have a really positive, supportive community which makes it fun and easy to try something new and shake up your fitness routine.
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: ACE Group Fitness Instructor & 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!
Morgan is originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and but she is legacy here at Umich so she has considered Ann Arbor home for most of her life as well. She is studying psychology with a minor in law, justice & social change and some of her interests include music, fashion, traveling, fitness & food. She also loves naps and hanging out with my friends. She started teaching cycle class because it brought fitness and music together and keeps her in shape as a busy college student.
Certifications: Keiser Cycling
Why do you love Rec Sports? Mostly just how inclusive it is! All shapes, colors & backgrounds are welcome here and I’m so glad I’m a part of the team!
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.
Parker is an undergraduate student from Chicago, IL, studying Communications and Business! She started teaching after developing a love for the support and community of a group fitness environment. Outside of GroupX, Parker loves to read, bake and create content on social media!
Certifications: ACE Group Fitness Instructor
Why do you love Rec Sports? I enjoy helping others find their passion for self-care and fitness!
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 and her family are new to Ann Arbor from Anchorage, Alaska. She is a Librarian turned fitness instructor who loves running, cooking, reading, and trying all of the coffee shops in Ann Arbor. She started teaching to guide moms through healthy exercise during the pregnancy and postpartum period. She now loves the atmosphere of the Group X classes and giving students a much needed mental break from their academic lives!
Certifications: ACE Group Fitness Instructor
Why do you love Rec Sports? I love that Rec sports gives you the chance to stick with your favorite workouts, but also try new classes. You can take a strength class one day and slow flow yoga the next!
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 is originally from a small town in Michigan, but currently lives in Virginia. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S. in Neuroscience in 2020 and then received a M.S. degree in Physiology in 2021. In her free time, she enjoys listening to true crime podcasts, cuddling her cats, and reading books. Her desire to teach yoga enhanced during the COVID-19 pandemic. She wanted to help people find a body-mind connection during a very stressful and overwhelming period of our lives. She is happy to share that she has been teaching yoga for almost two years now!
Certifications: 200 Hour RYT
Why do you love Rec Sports? During my undergraduate education, I worked as a Building Supervisor at the CCRB. I have always loved interacting with the staff and students through Recreational Sports, and I knew I wanted to return to this community once I received my yoga certification. I am so thankful that I have continued to be involved virtually!
What is your favorite snack? Hot Cheetos or Sour Patch Kids
