Every semester I realize that I have spent too much money paying for workout classes and begin to hit Reily in attempts to save some money. The problem is, my workouts get old and I get bored. So, I decided to try the free classes Reily has to offer, which surprisingly never get enough credit; here are my top three!
ABT
This cult-following class has been my favorite class ever since my first week of freshman year. Joe, the teacher, has been a trainer for over twenty years and knows exactly how to make your abs, butt, and thighs (ABT) burn like no other class I have ever taken before. He helps you master squats, lunges, and many other moves until you feel like you might be ready to drop. Not to mention, he runs his classes like a drill sergeant; I’ve never been so motivated and worked so hard! The combination of great music and Joe’s incredible energy will have you scheduling your life around the class (held on Monday and Thursday at 4:30 p.m.). Pro tip: Joe teaches a 30-minute abs class right after ABT for an extra-intense workout, if you can handle it!
Barre
In my opinion, the cost-free barre classes at Reily are just as good as Pure Barre or Barre3 New Orleans. Barre is a combination of ballet-inspired moves and Pilates, allowing you to strength-train specific sets of small muscle groups until they start to burn. I love Barre because it is low-impact, so it won’t hurt your body, and really allows you to focus on your form instead of speeding through the workout. Reily’s barre classes are held on Monday and Wednesday at 12:45 p.m. and Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.
Cardio Core
Although I just started going to this class, it is one of my new favorites. It combines cardio through high-intensity interval training cardio and core exercises, this class will have you dripping in sweat. The short bursts of activity are great for anyone who gets bored easily during their workouts. Most classes consist of doing four different exercises three separate times with breaks in between. The moves are a combination of strength and cardio, so you really feel well-rounded after your workout. The class ends with an ab workout, and by then, I am exhausted. HIIT workouts are one of the most effective workouts for your body because you burn more fat and calories by doing short bursts of energy followed by quick resting periods. Cardio Core is on Tuesday nights at 5:30 p.m.
Watch out Romney, Reily will leave you sweating and happy for free!
Cover Photo: Justin Haber
