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).
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.
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 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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A 75-minute session designed to balance the mental and physical pressures of exam preparation. This class is an opportunity for students to channel their stress into strength, find their center, and recharge their minds before facing their final challenges of the term.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Discover a new full-body workout in our 50-minute BOSU Conditioning class. Join us for a dynamic workout that harnesses the BOSU ball's potential to challenge every major muscle group. With a blend of cardio, strength, and core exercises, this class improves balance, boosts stability, and builds strength. Perfect for all fitness levels, our expert instructors will guide you through an innovative routine that promises to keep you on your toes.
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 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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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 and 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.
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!
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 Programs
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.
Spring 2024 Barre Mentorship Program
Apply for the Exercise Instructor position, and indicate which teaching format you are interested in. Applications due Friday, April 12.
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!
Alina is from Lake Zurich, Illinois and in her free time, she loves to read and crochet! She loves moving her body (especially outside) and excited to share that passion with everyone at Group‑X.
Certifications: ACE Group Fitness Instructor
Why do you love Rec Sports? Rec sports is SO amazing not only because of the incredible community, but also because exercising as a student is so so important! The focus on all types of wellness is one of my favorite things!
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
Ani is a junior majoring in Arts & Ideas in the Humanities and minoring in Spanish. She is originally from Houghton, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and started practicing yoga during the pandemic as an escape, only to fall in love with the practice and philosophy of it so much that she decided to become a yoga instructor and share that love with others! Besides yoga, her hobbies include music, hiking, and reading.
Certifications: RYS 200 Yoga Alliance
Why do you love Rec Sports? I love how Rec Sports provides high quality, welcoming exercise classes at a low cost. We’re accessible and community-driven. :)
What is your favorite snack? Apples and peanut butter
Anika was born and raised in sunny Los Angeles, and loves painting, dancing, music, fashion, and spending time with friends. She has been a devout student and practitioner of yoga since she first fell in love with it at the age of 12. Under the guidance of Christine Burke, she has explored yogic philosophy, spirituality, mindfulness, and physical practice for over 7 years. Yoga has helped her in infinite ways in every realm of her life, and has shaped her into the person she is. She became a teacher at the beginning of 2020 in order to deepen her knowledge and connection, and to share the gift that has beautified her life to an indescribable extent.
Certifications: RYT 200
Why do you love Rec Sports? I think it is really important to have an accessible and inclusive space on campus for people to connect with their bodies and practice self-care in the form of yummy movement!
What is your favorite snack? My homemade popcorn with olive oil and chaat masala!
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!
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.
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!
Dale is originally from CT, but recently moved to Ann Arbor from Chicago, where she completed her mat pilates training. She loves being active and exploring local coffee shops, and is always looking for recommendations of new places to try. Outside of group-X, she works full time in product analytics.
Certifications: Mat Pilates
Why do you love Rec Sports? I love Rec Sports because it gives you an opportunity to strengthen your body and your mind, while also getting to know a really great community.
What is your favorite snack? Carrots, pita chips, and hummus
Elisa is from Troy, MI. She loves spending time cooking, hanging out with friends, or working out. She taught swim lessons throughout high school which why she became interested in teaching barre classes!
Certifications: Barre Above
Why do you love Rec Sports? The gym is a great way for me to unwind and decompress so I think fitness classes are an amazing way to stay active while having tons of fun.
What is your favorite snack? Strawberries with Nutella
Jackson is a biomedical engineering student from Richmond, Kentucky! He fell in love with fitness through the guidance of a few fitness mentors in high school, and decided he wanted to become an instructor to help others become comfortable in the gym as well. Outside of class, he loves spending time running, rock climbing, reading, and watching sports w/ friends.
Certifications: ACE Personal Trainer
Why do you love Rec Sports? Rec Sports has many opportunities for those at all different stages in their fitness journey, which makes taking classes so much fun.
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.
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!
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
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!
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!
Morgan worked as a dancer and yoga teacher in NYC for 11 years prior to finding their new home in the sate of Michigan. Morgan has had a love for movement and yoga for many years, but made a healthy shift from their career as a dancer to pursue a MS in Genetic Counseling and an MPH in Health Behavior/Education at the University of Michigan. They have taught in studios in New York and California, and is excited to continue to build a yoga community in Ann Arbor. Morgan received their 200 hour and 500 hour YA accredited teaching certification from Yoga Vida in New York City.
Certifications: Yoga Alliance 200 Hour & 500 Hour
Why do you love Rec Sports? I love being a part of a culture that comes together to create accessible ways to breathe, move, and learn with one another!
Mya is a graduate student at U of M studying Medicinal Chemistry. She started teaching Group‑X classes because she loves the opportunity for students to have a fun and community-based workout environment. Outside of Group‑X, she is training for an Ironman and her other hobbies include reading and cooking.
Certifications: Keiser Cycle
Why do you love Rec Sports? Rec sports offers a great variety of different workout classes. It is accessible to students and a positive workout environment that encourages personal wellbeing.
Oceane grew up in Germany, Thailand and the San Francisco Bay Area. At U of M, she is pursing a dual degree in applied exercise science (AES) and biopsychology, cognition and neuroscience (BCN). In her free time, she loves to cook, travel, be outdoors, and workout, particularly swimming, running, and cycling. Her love for exercise and cycling is what started her journey as a cycling instructor, and her hope is to make it a fun workout experience for all!
Certifications: AFAA
Why do you love Rec Sports? Rec Sports is great because there is something for everyone: a variety of classes, wellness programs, personal training, or just an open space and many machines to workout however you like!
What is your favorite snack? Dates with peanut butter and chocolate chips :)
Orli is an undergraduate student from Memphis, TN Studying Organizational Studies and Sustainability. Outside of yoga, she loves to paint, cook, and spend time with friends. She started teaching because she fell in love with the benefits of the yoga practice. Connecting breath, movement, and intention helps build mental and physical strength on and off the mat. She loves sharing this practice and see how it can benefit everyone.
Certifications: RYT 200 Hour
Why do you love Rec Sports? I love Rec Sports because it creates accessible ways for everyone to find the movement that works best for them.
Paige is from Canton, Michigan and is studying Secondary Education. She loves rock climbing, hiking, and of course yoga. She became a yoga instructor because it combines her love of teaching and it is a practice that is very important to her. She believes yoga is for everyone and has immense benefits on mental and physical well-being.
Certifications: 200 Hour RYT
Why do you love Rec Sports? I love rec sports because it’s a program that makes fitness accessible to everyone.
What is your favorite snack? Apples and peanut butter
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!
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
Zeynep grew up in Turkey. Here, at Umich, she is a PhD student in chemical engineering working on microfluidics. Besides academics, she loves cycling and ballroom dancing. She has found cycling to be a great escape from her busy schedule in undergrad, and she is hooked ever since!
Certifications: Keiser Cycle
Why do you love Rec Sports? I love rec-sports because they promote a healthy lifestyle, a welcoming environment, and offer an enjoyable way to interact with the University of Michigan community.
Zoey is a sophomore at the University of Michigan majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Entrepreneurship. Outside of classes and teaching, she enjoys tennis, golf, reading, and traveling. She had so much fun participating in Barre Above classes last year, that I decided to try my hand at teaching them this year!
Certifications: Barre Above
Why do you love Rec Sports? Rec sports has helped me support both my well being and others along with building a vibrant community that I feel so lucky to be a part of.
What is your favorite snack? The coconut rolls from Costco!!