Ok. So in a previous post I wrote about how to get motivated to do school work instead of continuously indulging in Netflix and mentioned how physically getting my body moving helps me get the wheels in my mind turning for assignments. As someone who likes some variety in activity (aka I have tried many of the classes offered in the Sports Park), I thought it might be helpful to debrief on what some of these classes are like to make them seem less mysterious and intimidating!
*Note: I have the full membership, which allows free access to all of the classes offered throughout the day (this costs 235 pounds per year, basically if you take at least four classes a month, then you’re getting your moneys worth). The Surrey Sports Park site explains their membership options so you can choose what makes most sense for your needs, it keeps you updated with events they are hosting, has their class schedule for each semester, and a place for you to see whether classes are full or not and can book a spot in the class you are interested in.
*Another Note: I live in Manor Park (aka a super duper convenient location to access the Sports Park at all hours of the day and night as it’s a minute bike ride and about a 5 minute walk).
*Final Note: Outside of the classes, I like to use the high tech machines they have (aka your basic elliptical, treadmill, stair-master etc.) in the main workout room that has over 120 different machines, and finish my workout with 10-15 minutes in the sauna or steam room (two awesome amenities that most people don’t know exist in the Sports Park). They also have an incredible 50m pool that you can even pay to use if you don’t have a membership, an incredible climbing wall that you can take lessons at, multiple squash courts, a Starbucks to chill at after your workout, and The Bench Sports Bar that not only offers hearty meals but also serves some cold alcoholic beverages if you fancy that. The Surrey Sports Park really has so much to offer, if you want to know even more, check out the main site.
OK, getting back to the point, here’s a break down of some of the classes they offer:
Basic Aerobics– Ok, so I was definitely the youngest person in this class by far, and though this class isn’t as intense as some other ones (see below), it still gives you a good full body workout with cardio, core work, and arm work with some nice stretching mixed in. Overall, I’d consider it a well rounded class and a good option if you have a mild injury (like shin splints that feel impossible to get rid of).
Body Attack– This is the kinda class where you jump around almost the whole time and break out a sweat, especially during the song that involves a lot of push up. You feel like you had a solid workout. But then the next day… you feel like your body HAS been attacked because OH MY GOSH it will leave you so sore in such a good way.
Body Balance– This is definitely an interesting class, it’s like a more dance-like yoga combined with a little tai chi and some long balancing poses. Definitely more of a stretching and strengthening class than a drenched in sweat type class (see below), and is followed by a nice meditation.
Body Combat– I wish this class was offered more often and fit better with my schedule because it’s an awesome class that makes you feel powerful and bada** with constant punching and kicking combos. A lot of sweating involved and a LOT of soreness the next day, but I love feeling sore after a hard workout.
Body Pump– This was TOUGH for someone who generally does not lift weights or do many arm related activities. I was super intimidated to do this class but felt much better once I found out you could choose and alter your weights. Not gonna lie here, my arms couldn’t straighten for about a week after the class because I worked my arms so hard! A great class that is worth the pain.
Legs, Bums and Tums– This class is pretty much exactly what you think it would be, a lot of focusing on one area at a time intensely. You will feel all of these parts the next day, for sure.
Pilates- A classic pilates class, slow and stretchy at first followed with tough core strengthening. If you don’t know how to really activate your core when doing ab exercises, I would recommend a pilates class to teach you the value of doing it right versus doing as many as you can.
Spinning– The Surrey Sports Park has its own Spinning room, pretty cool, and is high tech with showing your RPMs on a screen in the front of the room (something I find quite intimidating), but it does bring out my sweatiest self, so I would recommend bringing your own towel for this class (and any others which you think you would sweat a lot in).
Synergy Fast Class– Holy cow, this class is only 30 minutes but my gosh it is a doozy of a time. The class is made of three 6 minutes rounds with a small break in between rounds. There are at least 8 stations that you rotate between, involving arm and core exercises and some cardio. And you bet you’re arms will be feeling it the next day or two.
Yoga Flow– A nice basic yoga class, relaxing but still involves strong poses and some nice sun salutations. A good class if you need to feel restored.
Zumba– I’ve had mixed experiences with the Zumba classes, personally I like a more energetic class with a lot of jumping around or with a lot of salsa moves, and though one of the classes involved more salsa moves, they weren’t as much of a workout as I thought it would be, but nevertheless it was a fun time : )
Hopefully this helps you understand what some of the classes at the Sports Park are like. Don’t let the intense names scare you off from trying them, if you end up getting the full membership, these classes are free so they’re definitely worth trying out, and who knows you may surprise yourself! If classes and machines aren’t your thing, there are 44 different sports clubs on campus ranging from American football to Archery to the Cycling club to Salsa club to Ultimate Frisbee! University of Surrey offers many ways to get your body moving, so feel free to choose whatever activity is calling your name : )
