By Samantha Fournier
The song “Sweet Caroline” blared from the speakers inside the little white-walled cycling room on this early Thursday morning.
The wheel on the shiny silver stationary bikes hadn’t stopped turning for more than forty five minutes and the class wasn’t over yet. The energy in the room was high, even as the group rode a “hill” on gear four.
“It’s a fun way to workout because it’s not just like going to the gym or going for a run. You get to listen to music. I feel like it works me out better too,” Amanda Carpentino said of the 7:30 a.m. RECentral cycling class. This wasn’t Carpentino’s first cycling class or first class with RECentral.
Currently RECentral, CCSU’s recreation department, offers more than 50 fitness classes per week for students, faculty and staff. Classes range from zumba, a type of dance fitness program, to yoga and self defense. Last year, about 10 classes were offered each week. This semester RECentral offered 29 classes the first week of school, which is a big improvement from last year when classes weren’t offered the first week of school.
“One of our goals this year was to beef up our fitness program,” said the Fitness Specialist, Ken DeStefanis. This is an improvement was made possible due to the hard work of Fitness Director, Marissa Perrone and staff over the summer.
RECentral has about 20 fitness teachers that work to keep up their busy schedule of classes. Perrone, who has always been interested in fitness, found most of the teachers through an ad she put up on Central Pipeline. Those who were interested would come in and demo a class for her.
“I love getting people hooked on coming to class and getting people hooked on wanting to teach,” Perrone said of being excited about what she does for her new position in the RECentral office.
“I don’t think a lot of people like to do cardio and if we can get people to do it in a fun way, why not?” Cassy Cox, an exercise science major and soon to be fitness teacher, said of the fitness classes.
The friendly Sista True, who teaches African Dance Wednesday nights at 7:15 p.m., said that she teaches because “when I feel like I learn something good I have a responsibility to pass it on.” In True’s class, girls dance about freely with smiles on their faces. True doesn’t only teach dance, but also health and wellness principles.
Just before True’s class is “Hips Don’t Lie” class led by COLADA member, Rachel Gibney.
“They’re fun and energetic. Just to get you in shape,” Megan Rasmussen, CCSU student with a history in dance, said of the “Hips Don’t Lie” and the “Jazz it Up” RECentral classes.
Courtney Perrin, CCSU student and fellow dance enthusiast, also said she attends classes because they provide a fun way to get in shape.
Perrone said that “Hips Don’t Lie” class has been one of the most popular classes offered along with yoga, cycling, zumba and pilates.
“We’re getting great feedback. Our yoga class had over fifty people,” Assistant Recreation Director, Liz Urcinas.
Whether you’re more comfortable on the dance floor or on a stationary bike, RECentral has a class to peak your interest and keep you active. You can checkout an updated schedule on the RECentral Web site.
