This semester, Abby and I started going to yoga and Zumba classes at Samford's campus recreation center. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time sampling these classes. We truly believe that everyone should try a fitness class at least once. We took the risk and ending up loving every minute of it.

1. Why didn't you do fitness classes last semester?

Abby: As a first semester freshman I didn't want to go to the classes. I didn't know the class schedule or who went to them.

Anne Davis: The first few weeks of school, I really didn't know where to go, so I didn't want to invite anyone to come with me. I just didn't get in the habit of going, so I never went.

2. What made you want to start?

A: When second semester started, I heard that one of my friends started going to yoga so, I decided to try it. I'm glad I went because I've met a lot of people from going. I also get to start my week off with exercise.

AD: After the first semester, I realized I was lacking in physical activity, and I wanted to change that. I was talking with a friend and we decided to go to Zumba together. After Zumba, she invited me to yoga. Eventually, we started going to both classes.

3. Why have you kept going to classes?

A: I have friends who go with me so it feels more fun than a chore. I've seen a change in my attitude after attending these classes. Yoga brings me peace to my hectic mind and I feel energized after Zumba.

AD: There have been a few days where I really didn't feel like moving from my bed but, I knew there were people counting on me. By going with friends, I have accountability. I also enjoy getting to spend time with them.

4. What are the benefits of group exercise classes?

A: One word, accountability.

AD: My weeks have felt much more manageable this semester. I loved doing group fitness classes back home. They have been a great addition to my schedule here. I feel much better when I have physical activity in my week. The classes give my brain a little break from school work. I also like the fact that I don't have to look at my phone for the whole hour--I can just get away from the outside world.

5. What classes do you recommend for beginners?

A: I recommend yoga for beginners because the instructor is calm and fun. If you are noticeably having trouble with a certain pose, she will come help you. After doing Yoga for a couple of weeks now I've noticed that I can do each move a little better.

AD: I recommend Zumba! It's fun and high energy.

6. Describe the yoga class.

A: As soon as I enter the doors to the yoga class I know that I will be in a calm and peaceful environment for the next hour. The conversations that I have with the other people who take yoga have always been great.

AD: I love that the yoga class tends to be the same small group of people. We have gotten to know each other during the time before class. The class is very restful and I leave feeling calm and relaxed.

7. Describe Zumba.

A: Zumba at Samford is different than any Zumba I've done before. It's a fast paced environment but I love it. There are multiple songs that I dread but I can always sing along and get into it. Leaving, I feel like I sweat half my body weight but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

AD: Zumba is one of my favorite things. I'm actually a certified instructor, but I don't teach classes at Samford. The class here is fun because we get to dance around and work up a good sweat!

8. Is there anything that you dislike about the fitness class?

A: I don't think the yoga mats ever get cleaned which is very unsanitary, in my opinion. The easy solution would be to go buy my own but that's 30 dollars out of pocket that I don't have at the moment.

AD: The limited space is frustrating to me. It is a small room and a lot of people show up. It gets tight. This also limits the schedule because only one class can go on at a time. If there were more options for classes at different times, it would make it easier for me to try new classes.

If any of the questions above made you curious or the answers we gave made you want to try the fitness classes at Samford, we definitely recommend going. Grab a friend and bribe them to go with you with food that isn't from the caf.