The Student Recreation and Wellness Center (SRWC) is hosting one free week of Group X classes to all Kent State students, faculty and staff. The Group X demo week began on Sunday, Jan. 17 and continues through Monday, Jan. 25.

Group X, which includes classes in Basic Yoga, TXR 101 and Zumba, starts up each semester with a trial run that gives all SRWC members and Kent State students the opportunity to try different classes before purchasing an unlimited pass.

In total, there are 25 Group X classes ranging from beginner to advanced fitness levels. There are four new classes: Tai Chi, Hatha Yoga, High Intensity Interval Training and Barre Blend.

Basic Yoga and Tai Chi instructor, Vicki Osborne, said that Group X classes are different than conventional SRWC programs because they focus on instructing groups rather than individuals.

“It is motivating because you get group instruction,” Osborne said. “Your instructor gives you a goal to reach with each class and you can challenge yourself by the other people in the class.”

Senior fashion merchandising major Morgan Deppas attendeded Basic Yoga in Osborne’s Wednesday morning class.

“I think I will buy the unlimited pass,” Deppas said. “It was such a good way to start the day. Who wouldn’t want to start out all stretched out and feeling positive?”

Osborne encourages members to try several different classes during demo week to find one they enjoy.

“Everyone should try at least one thing they’ve never tried before,” Osborne said. “You can always modify the instruction to fit your fitness level.”

Senior fashion merchandising major Marissa Mally likes that Group X classes are offered at different times throughout the week.

“It’s really nice that they offer classes early in the morning. I am really busy, so it fits into my schedule,” Mally said.

Osborne encourages students to ask questions if they are unsure about a class.

Group X classes are designed to be progressive workouts that build upon the previous ones and create personal experiences.

“I hope people feel so good when they leave that they will want to take it into their own daily practice,” Osborne said.

The spring 2016 Group X session began on Jan. 17 and goes to May 13.

Students, faculty and staff should bring their FlashCard for free admittance. After demo week, members can pay $45 for an unlimited pass for the spring session.

For information about Group X classes, other instructional programs or to view the Group X class schedule, please go to www.kent.edu/recservices/fitness-wellness or the SRWC information desk.

For more information contact Gabrielle Gentile at [email protected].