Audrey Granger ’28
Staff Writer
It’s a Wednesday afternoon, and you’ve just finished your last class of the day. The hours ahead are open, yet somehow feel overwhelming with all the possibilities. Should you head back to your dorm? Catch up on some reading? Or maybe, just maybe, this is the perfect moment to slip into your comfiest sneakers and head to the gym. The Sallie Tiernan Field House (TFH) offers a wide range of fitness classes through the FitScripps program that cater to every fitness level. Whether you’re an experienced athlete, an aspiring beginner, or just looking to try something new, the variety of classes — including drop-in yoga, meditation, Zumba, Pilates, and more — promises something for everyone. If you haven’t yet explored the fitness options Tiernan has to offer, here are some personal recommendations to help you get started.
Zumba is a high-energy, dance-based fitness class that blends Latin-inspired moves with cardio, making for an incredibly fun and inclusive workout. The class runs on Wednesdays from 5-6 p.m. and Thursdays from 6-7 p.m.. Each session starts with a warm-up before transitioning into a mix of dance styles and music, including early 2000s hits, salsa, cumbia, and even Bollywood. “My favorite part of the class is the Bollywood dance where I feel pure joy spinning and clapping,” said Ava Neal ’28.
The instructor keeps the choreography fresh by introducing new dances weekly, so there’s always something new and different to look forward to. Zumba is beginner-friendly enough that anyone can jump in, regardless of experience. It not only makes working out feel fun but also offers great fitness benefits, improving aerobic fitness, coordination, and balance. It’s an excellent option for anyone looking to sweat and move to fun music!
Another fantastic choice is Pilates. The FitScripps program offers mat Pilates classes on Wednesdays from 4-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10-11 p.m. at Tiernan. Though both classes follow a similar structure, each instructor brings a unique energy to the sessions. Stella Ruebel ’28 explains that the Wednesday class is “more of a slow burn, focused on strength training,” while the Saturday session feels “faster, like ballet exercises.”
Each class incorporates about 50 repetitive exercises, such as the Hundred, bicycles, single-leg kicks, and a variety of planks, offering a full-body workout that’s low-impact but intense. With music in the background and supportive instructors guiding you, Pilates will have your muscles working hard. It’s beginner-friendly, so anyone can join, even if it’s your first time. You’ll want to bring comfy socks as the class is shoeless, and Tiernan provides mats. Whether you’re looking to tone your core or improve your posture, Pilates is an excellent choice for strengthening your body in a low-impact way.
Out of all the classes at FitScripps, kickboxing might be one of the most unique. Kickboxing is a full-contact martial art that combines boxing with techniques like punching, kicking, and knee strikes. It’s practiced for self-defense, fitness, and even competition, and its stand-up fighting style means there’s no ground combat involved.
Many gyms offer cardio kickboxing classes, which combine martial arts moves with calisthenics and whole-body exercises. Dedicated fitness kickboxing facilities often incorporate bag work, timed intervals, and high-intensity rounds to build strength and endurance. At Scripps, the kickboxing class follows a similar format, meeting on Thursdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Though it may seem daunting, this class is a great way to re-energize after a long week, with dynamic exercises that leave you feeling strong and alert.
Yoga is arguably the most popular class in the FitScripps program. Sessions are available on Wednesdays from 3-4 p.m., Thursdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 9-10 a.m. Each class begins with breath awareness and a gentle warm-up, followed by a sequence of postures that build strength and flexibility. These include a mix of standing, floor, and chair work and often incorporate yoga blocks to enhance the poses.
Ava L. ’28 shared her love for the class, noting that “the instructor weaves in mind-heart-body connectivity,” making the experience holistic. Every session wraps up with a guided meditation, leaving participants feeling centered and relaxed. The class flows smoothly from start to finish, making it a perfect way to unwind while improving flexibility and strength.
While this article highlights just four of the classes offered through FitScripps, there are plenty more — meditation, group cycling, and HIIT, to name a few. Access to workout classes is a resource every student should take advantage of. Not only do they improve physical fitness, but the mental clarity and revitalization they provide are invaluable. I highly encourage anyone, regardless of experience, to try these classes. Bring a friend, and before long, these sessions may become a regular part of your routine — something you’ll look forward to each week.
