Students staying on campus for the summer are able to maintain their summer bodies through a variety of group fitness classes offered at the Activities and Recreation Center.

According to the ARC’s website, group fitness classes offer a way to keep students motivated and feeling healthy with instructors that are prepared to inspire and motivate.

But beginning Monday, students who want to use the facilities at the ARC will need to buy a summer pass. According to the ARC’s customer service and website students will need to pay $85 to use the ARC unless enrolled in a summer class at the University. By purchasing the pass, students will able to use ARC facilities until Aug. 15. Students will also need to purchase a $30 unlimited pass to attend group fitness classes for the summer, or pay $7 per class attended.

Although students will need to buy these extra passes, the $85 and $30 investments are worth it, said Sheena Artajo, ARC customer service assistant and junior in FAA.

“The ARC is a great place that provides tons of activities,” Artajo said. “The ARC also has great group fitness classes that give students a great way to workout.”

Marquis Jackson, ARC customer service assistant and senior in LAS, agreed with Artajo.

“The price of the pass is still relatively cheap compared to someone who isn’t affiliated with the University,” Jackson said. “Now students will have access to the ARC facilities that they would normally get in the school, but will have more time to use them now since they aren’t taking as many classes.”

Lesa Scharnett, ARC professional group fitness instructor, said that this is the most important time for students to be using the ARC.

“Your shorts are shorter, your sleeves are shorter and you’re showing more skin,” Scharnett said. “It’s all about self image and how you want people to perceive you. Making sure you workout is also about self confidence.”

Scharnett teaches multiple classes at the ARC including TurboKick, an upbeat, hip-hop martial arts-based class; R.I.P.P.E.D., which stands for Resistance, Intervals, Power, Plyometrics, Endurance and Diet; Cardio Camp, an intense athletic training class that combines P90X and Insanity workouts; cycling; and BODYJAM, a high-energy dance and cardio workout.

Scharnett said it is also important that students work on flexibility, which can be gained by taking pilates and yoga at the ARC.

Artajo said she enjoys taking classes at the ARC such as Zumba and BODYJAM.

“I love to dance, and these classes have actual dance moves,” Artajo said. “It’s a workout you wouldn’t expect and it’s a lot of fun. We have really great instructors that are really good at what they do.”

Jackson said cycling and BODYPUMP classes are two of the most popular classes that students enjoy taking.

“It’s a different kind of workout to do with a group atmosphere,” Jackson said. “You’re not just doing it by yourself, it can be motivating to workout with a group of people, and the classes are just very fun.”

Jackson also said the ARC is providing a Deep Water Exercise class for gym members that is only offered during the summer. The class takes place in both the indoor and outdoor pools.

Students can also rent out multi-purpose rooms for free and create their own workout routines.

Although Scharnett said it is important for students to take advantage of all the ARC facilities throughout the summer, it is also important for students to stay practical while working out.

“When you’re trying to change or get in better shape, keep it realistic,” Scharnett said. “If your goals are too high, you might let yourself down. So just like we live one day at a time, keep working hard and take it one pound at a time.”

Christine can be reached at [email protected].