By Fatima Jaber, Contributing Writer
The residents of the Gables Complexes at the University of New Hampshire are spicing up their Wednesday nights with a new dance class in the Gables Fitness Studio. The spacious studio begins filling up just before 8 p.m. as residents flock in to begin their workout.
With great convenience, students living at the Gables are able to access a studio right outside their apartment without the hustle and bustle of going to the gym at the Hamel Student Rec Center.
“The purpose of the fitness studio was to provide a variety of free fitness classes to Gables residents so they can have fun, stay healthy and meet their neighbors while building community, all without having to leave the complex,” said Victoria Wilson, the Gables complex manager.
A total of six classes take place every week, with the cardio dance class being the newest one. Among the popular classes are Zumba, yoga, insanity hybrid fitness class and strength training boot camp.
Upon entering the cardio dance class, you will find instructor and Gable’s resident Ashley Pilotte welcoming in participants. Pilotte is a passionate dancer who has danced her whole life.
“With my busy schedule I looked for a way to be able incorporate dance into my life. I took a Zumba training class here at UNH and got certified. I really enjoy teaching this class,” she said.
The beginning of the class starts out with stretches. Pilotte then begins to amp things up as she bumps music through the speakers. Participants follow her lead as she dances while instructing everyone on the moves.
The class ends with core workouts and stretches.
“I really enjoy people coming to class. It’s a great way to break up your week and get active,” Pilotte said.
The class seems to be a hit among students as they leave the studio with smiles and reassurance of returning for next week’s class.
“It’s a good workout,” said senior Devin Kehler, a class attendant. “I walked by the fitness center when it was first opening.”
Although the fitness studio is a brand new concept, only starting up in the fall semester of 2014, the classes seem to be a hit, with requests from students pouring in.
“The classes have definitely been popular so far and we’ve gotten some great feedback and requests for more classes,” Wilson said.
Some classes, like evening yoga, have been especially popular with the room routinely filling maximum capacity. Other classes so far, like the new cardio dance class, are growing with committed attendees.
“Aside from certifications, I want the instructors to be outgoing, dependable, professional, and able to teach new classes so we can keep our offerings diverse,” Wilson said.
For more information and updates on classes taught at the fitness studio at the Gables Complexes, visit the Gables office on the ground floor of building B.
