The Commerce Times

Get fit and stress free at the RAC

Getting through the hump of midterms can often make it hard to find the time to breathe. Rather than letting the stress take over, Ryerson students should try learning how to cope by exercising in steady doses. The RAC offers classes that will help students break the chains connecting them to their textbooks and study notes.

Instead of taking anger out on your paper, release it on the dance floor. Every Monday, students can participate in a Latin cardio class. This particular fitness routine is choreographed to upbeat Latin music, and the theme of the month is Mamba. It is included with the rest of the group fitness classes, for $35.

“Once the music starts to play, students are able to forget about the rest of their worries,” said the Latin cardio instructor, Ildiko Hedyi.

“I like to call it active meditation.”

Hedyi says that throughout her40-minute class, people are able to place themselves in a different world.

“I always come to her class before I have to study,” said Amanda Sajtos, a fourth-year psychology student.

People come to university with such active backgrounds, and then all of a sudden they don’t seem to care about anything but academics.

Other participants in the class don’t even realize the intensity of their workout.

“It is so energetic, that you barely notice when [Hedyi] is pushing you,” said Diana Pestana, a fourthyear psychology student.

“She is upbeat and happy, and it always puts you in a good mood.”

The aquatic programs at the RAC offer something different, and are also a good way to improve stroke techniques, as well one’s stresslevel. According to Cara Scott-McCron, the aquatics coordinator at the RAC, students don’t realize the benefits that swimming can have when it comes to relaxation.

“During exam time, this facility gets very quiet,” said Scott-McCron.

“That’s the time you want to be working out, because you give yourself an outlet.”

Scott-McCron also explains that water is what supports the muscles, so by allowing yourself to lay on your back and release muscle tension, you are also able to wash away your anxieties and give your mind a break.

As long as students have a gym membership, leisurely swimming is free. If people wish to relax even further, one introductory swimming lesson costs $35, which also includes a consultation.

For those that aren’t a fan of splashing around, but still want to get the adrenaline flowing, learning progressive boot camp movements is another way to revitalize.

Alex Bourgeous, the instructor of the boot camp class on Mondays, believes it’s not just the energy and endorphins that are important, but it’s about the sense of community it creates.

“It’s generally the same group of people that come into my classes, so they end up forming a relationship with one another,” said Bourgeous.

Bourgeous recognizes that students are so overwhelmed by heavy workloads that they lose that sense of balance in their daily lifestyle.

“People come to university with such active backgrounds, and then all of a sudden they don’t seem to care about anything but academics,” said Bourgeous.

“You just end up putting your body through an emotional roller coaster.”

Being good to yourself and producing endorphins is a sure and natural way to perk yourself up. The RAC has an athletic program for everyone, and it’s designed to be available on a student budget.