During the school year, SRU offers weekly exercise classes for individuals to take at the Aebersold Recreational Center (ARC). Classes can include, spin, yoga and pilates.
Riley Lecker is a sophomore exercise science major with a concentration in pre-PT, and is a member of the 3+3 program here at SRU.
Lecker is one of two pilates instructors currently teaching classes at the ARC.
Her classes are taught on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 5 p.m.
“It’s usually a 30-to-45-minute class of low impact exercises that really gives you a full body workout. Sometimes we can use weights, most times it’s just using our body weight and our breath,” Lecker said.
The student then shared how she got involved in teaching pilates at SRU.
“For me, I was a dancer for 16 years, and that’s kind of where I found pilates. A big part of my dance studio was doing pilates classes, and I kind of just found a love through that. And then over this past year and this past summer, I was looking into getting my certification so that I could teach and introduce more people to pilates,” Lecker said.
“It’s been a lot of fun, I really enjoyed learning more myself and now being able to share it with other students on campus and just the public in general,” she added.
The instructors have the opportunity to create their own classes.
“We get to create our very own classes. They could be run however you would like so, you can have music or you can just use your verbal queuing, and it’s super fun. It’s a very close environment; you get to know the people who are coming to your classes pretty well,” Lecker said.
The student also shared what her favorite part is about having the opportunity to teach individuals.
“I would say my favorite part is just getting to share my love for pilates with the public,” Lecker said. “I think it’s a really great way to get more in tune with your body and improve, not only your self esteem and your self feeling, but also your posture and the way that you move throughout your entire day. It really encompasses your whole body which is nice, and I love being able to share that with not only everybody here, but just everyone in general. I think it’s a great opportunity.”
Lecker shared how she tries to make everyone feel as welcome as possible during her classes.
“Nobody should ever feel nervous or embarrassed or scared in an exercise class. I think everybody should feel valued and feel their self-worth being brought to their attention, so I make everybody feel as comfortable as possible,” she said. “I would say, just go into it with a good attitude and be ready to work, because you get what you put into it. So if you come in, you’re ready to work hard, you will get a lot out of it.”
Pilates classes taught at the ARC are free for students. Each class is a first-come, first-serve with 15 open spots.
For more information on activities and events at the ARC, individuals can follow SRU Campus Recreation at srucampusrec, or they can visit the CORE page.
