As the semester pushes on, students are becoming busier. The end of January, according to OSU, also signifies an unofficial point in the year: when around 43% of people typically give up their New Year’s resolutions. The ever infamous desire to work out more and prioritize fitness in the new year falls to the wayside as the restfulness of the holidays has fully worn off. Meredith’s AIM classes, however, provide an opportunity for students to start exercising at no additional cost.
Classes started on Jan. 29 and will run until April 26. There are four classes: Bootcamp taught by Kennedy Sullivan, ’25, on Mondays during the 10 a.m. hour; Circuit Training taught by Sierra Grande ’26, on Mondays at 3:30 p.m. as well as Strength Training on Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m.; and Cycling taught by Carly O’Toole ’26, on Thursdays at 3 p.m. The classes provide a time and space for students to work out with others and for undergraduate students to gain experience through leading the classes. Grande stated that “AIM classes are great in providing a way for students to participate in guided workouts that are taught in a relaxed setting by other [students] their age.” The classes are also beginner-friendly, giving students a basis to start building fitness habits. Grande explained that “AIM classes are for all people,” regardless of “exercise experience or fitness level.” Sullivan clarified that despite having the name “Bootcamp,” her class is open to “all physical fitness levels” and that “modifications are offered for every exercise so that intensity can be adjusted to each participant.” Grande also said she hopes that “classes can make beginners feel confident and educated enough to eventually go out and lift/work out by themselves.”
Students looking to relieve stress, build strength or start prioritizing fitness this semester have an excellent resource available. Even if students have reservations about working out on their own, AIM classes provide a supportive environment to exercise. O’Toole, the cycling instructor, said that “it can be scary for some people to walk into a gym alone if they don’t know what they’re doing.” Regardless of fitness being a resolution or a form of stress relief, AIM classes are a resource for students to utilize this semester.
By Lola Mestas, Copy Editor
Photo courtesy of Caroline O'Toole