Staff and Faculty Shape Up for Free This Summer With Cougar Fit

Get ready to sweat this summer! It’s going to be hot one for sure, but it’s the Cougar Fit summer sessions that will really heat things up!

Cougar Fit is a free circuit training/HIIT-based class designed just for faculty and staff to provide a fitness challenge for all fitness levels and focuses on strength training and cardiovascular exercises for maximum weight loss and metabolic boosting, as well as correct form and technique for injury prevention.

The hourlong classes start on Monday, June 5, 2023, at 5:15 p.m. and will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays in the George Street Gym classroom. There will be two sessions this summer: Session 1, June 5–28, and Session 2, July 10–Aug. 4, 2023.

Led by Sara Coleman ’17, assistant director of fitness for Campus Recreation Services, the classes will follow an interval format that allows participants to adjust their intensity and modify the exercises to meet their abilities and needs.

“Even people who haven’t been to the gym in three years can do this – up to the most advanced athletes,” says Coleman, a certified fitness specialist (Trident Tech), certified exercise specialist (NASM), certified strength and conditioning specialist (NSCA), certified personal trainer (ACE) and group fitness instructor (ACSM) with an M.S. in health, exercise and sports science.

New this summer is what Coleman calls the “Torn Sneakers & Holey Socks Walk Club” – an independent walking program that challenges faculty and staff to walk a mile or more on Tuesdays and Thursdays and will involve weekly walking/step goals.

“This can be done on your own or with other Cougar Fitters,” says Coleman, adding that she will provide walking programs and challenges for anyone who wants to participate. “It’s important that we get moving every single day, and I hope this motivates people to get out there and get their hearts pumping a little.”

Coleman is also introducing a No Sweat Stretch – a 15-minute break from the desk to stretch – in the George Street Gym classroom at noon on Fridays.

“No sweat involved, just a good way to give your body a nice little break,” she says, explaining that she will provide instruction for those who want to stretch on their own time, too.

These independent activities provide a nice accompaniment to the Cougar Fit classes, which consist of squats, presses, lifts and curls to strengthen, tone and define the entire body. Participants will see improvement in balance, flexibility, muscular strength and range of motion for daily living skills.

“We’re going to have fun!” says Coleman, who encourages participants to arrive to class early if they have questions/concerns or want to stretch beforehand. “As I always say, exercise should be a celebration of what your body can do, not a punishment.”

Participation in the challenge is not required to attend Cougar Fit classes. To stay up to date on faculty/staff group fitness offerings – and to access additional workouts, tips and fitness facts – contact Sara Coleman to gain access the Faculty & Staff Fitness Teams page.