The Wade King Student Recreation Center at Western Washington University offers 11 group fitness classes this quarter for students looking to work out alongside others in the campus community.
Starting in the gym can be challenging; it's hard to know what to do at first. These group fitness classes are an opportunity for students to go through a guided workout in a judgment-free space. There are a wide variety of offerings, allowing students to pick the class that best fits them.
“The workout was a lot of fun,” said Helena Somers, a second-year at Western, who attended the rec center’s Zumba class with instructor Jordan Perkins on Jan. 13. “The instructor made working out more approachable; I was encouraged to come back.”
Perkins, a Zumba instructor at Western, said she’s proud of the sense of community the classes bring to campus.
“Ex-dancers come here, ex-cheerleaders come here; it's a place to tap into that dancing energy that a lot of people have to give up for their education,” Perkins said.
Perkins’ Zumba classes are offered every Monday and Wednesday from 6-6:50 p.m. and Sunday from 5-5:50 p.m.
Sofia Arellano, a spin instructor at Western, spoke about what makes spin exciting.
“It’s super interactive, you totally feel the music – it’s a great way to use your whole body to listen almost,” Arellano said. “It’s a great workout, burns so many calories, it’s so nice.”
Spin is a high-intensity group exercise class that uses stationary bikes.
Sofia Arellano cycles at the front of the class on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, at the Wade King Student Recreation Center in Bellingham, Wash. Arellano was explaining the details of the spin class she was teaching. // Photo by Tyler Noonan
Arellano teaches spin every Monday and Wednesday from 6-6:50 p.m.
“I think a lot of people can benefit from having other people pushing them,” Flynn Wilder, an employee at Bellingham Fitness, said. “We have a whole group with a trainer and they all push each other, work together and see progress together.”
Below is an overview of each course offered, as per the rec center’s website.
All Level Yoga
“Based on Hatha Yoga, you'll blend balance, strength, flexibility and power in a fitness format. For all fitness levels.”
Full Body Conditioning
“Also known as FBC, this Full body workout will use high-intensity workouts, intervals, circuits and a plethora of exercise equipment to get you the best FBC workout.”
Glutes and Abs
“Targeting the hips, core, and legs these exercises will build strength and fitness while shaping and toning. For all fitness levels.”
Kickboxing
“Muay Thai, or Thai Boxing has become well known through the combat sport of MMA (Mixed Martial Art). This is an unbelievable way of getting in shape while building self-confidence.”
Pilates
“Pilates is a workout that strengthens your core muscles, tones your muscles and can be done anywhere. For all fitness levels.”
Power Hour - LGBTQ+
“You will be led by our queer fitness staff. Our goal is to make you feel more comfortable and accepted at the Rec. You will improve your self-confidence by enhancing your abilities to navigate the many options of exercise equipment as well as being introduced to the common gym etiquette.”
Power Yoga
“Strengthen your body, mind and breath with this power yoga class! Focus on endurance, while building flexibility and breath control.”
Restorative Yoga
“Learn how to manage stress through the practice of Yoga. You will meditate, focus on deep postural alignments. For all fitness levels."
Spinning
“With its great music, this exhausting and exhilarating biking class will make you want to come back for more. For all fitness levels.”
Women on Weights (WOW)
“Is the weight room an intimidating space for you? Well, this is your opportunity to learn what you need to know to use this space with confidence. For all fitness levels.”
Zumba
“A party vibe with Latin-style dancing and music that is dynamic and incredible for getting you into shape. For all fitness levels.”
The classes run from Jan. 13 to March 16; access to a class for the whole quarter is $30, with weekend classes being free of charge. A $5 drop-in pass is available for those who can’t attend classes regularly, allowing one-time access to a class. The rec center is offering a demo week from Jan. 13 to 19, allowing students to try any class at no cost.
People who are interested in taking advantage of the demo week still have an opportunity to try out most of the classes for free.
On Thursday, Jan. 16, spinning, power yoga, FBC, pilates, all level yoga and Zumba will be running. After Thursday, weekday classes will require purchase.
Students interested in registering can do so at the rec center front desk or online here.
Tyler Noonan (he/him) is a senior at Western and a sports reporter for The Front. He is a marketing major and a public relations minor. Outside of school he enjoys fitness and working on creative projects. You can reach him at tylernoonan.thefront@gmail.com
