The lights were dimmed in the spacious studio as attendees sat expectantly on their mats with their small, soft balls and water bottles. The instructor assumed their position at the front of the room. Over the next 45 minutes, the class was led through various exercises. Each movement synchronized with the “Pilates breath,” a sharp and audible exhale, like blowing out a candle, as participants flexed their muscles in glute bridges and push-ups.
Pilates seems to be all the rage online, and Seattle University is no different. Of the 15 weekly classes offered by UREC, two teach mat pilates and three guide students in power yoga. They also offer yoga flow, cycling, strength and conditioning and a single- lift 45 class. There are fitness classes each day of the week, but if you stop by Studio 1 on Tuesday evenings or Wednesday afternoons, you’ll be in for an intense workout.
“Pilates is always our highest performing class,” Kanoa Wong, the graduate assistant of fitness and operations at UREC, said. “The normal capacity is 16, but half the time they go over to 18 or 22.”
Wong assists in overseeing the group fitness classes, personal trainers, equipment and other UREC operations. He explained that a mix of student feedback, historical data and instructor availability helps form the quarterly schedules, and that classes are consciously designed to be beginner-friendly and accessible.
“[UREC is] one of the most used wellness resources on campus, and we just want to get people moving their body in any way they see fit. Offering these group fitness courses gives a way for people to do that and express themselves, and then also build that community and rapport around the facility,” Wong said.
All classes are free at the door to every UREC patron, which includes students, faculty and their families and alumni. The lack of barriers to access also shapes the classes themselves: instructors walk students through each movement, offer corrections and thoroughly explain themselves so that students of all levels can participate.
Bridget Lawrence, a fourth-year strategic communications major, has tried many types of fitness classes at UREC and occasionally attends the Tuesday night class as part of her workout schedule. She regularly hits the gym and even attended the Night at UREC at the start of the year, where she tried condensed versions of each class type. Though she is no stranger to the fitness world, she had little prior experience with Pilates before trying this class.
“The instructors are so good, they guide you through everything. I took my first class a week ago, and knew nothing about Pilates besides random YouTube videos I watched. They teach you right there. You can be a beginner, it doesn’t matter,” Lawrence said. “There’s usually beginners in every UREC class you take; someone’s always trying it for the first time, so it’s not intimidating. I’ve done a lot of classes not knowing anything and being just fine.”
Lawrence sought out Pilates to move her body differently and use muscles she wouldn’t otherwise. The student instructor, Avea Vasa, walked the class through shoulder and leg warm-ups before moving on to sets of exercises grouped by the muscle they target.
At the end of the class, Vasa led the others through a cool-down centered on stretches and slow movements. Vasa, a third-year forensic psychology and criminal justice major, has been working at UREC since her first year at Seattle U. She teaches Pilates, yoga flow and power yoga.
“I also find joy in teaching other people; motivating others has helped me to create a better class,” Vasa said.
In this class, Vasa was teaching a newer hire. Part of the instructor training process, in addition to earning their certification, is shadowing current, experienced employees and learning from example. But Vasa doesn’t mind the extra teaching time because it helps her hone her craft, something she mentioned when explaining her process.
“A lot of repetition, a lot of practice, even outside of the gym. Something that’s helped me is having this community here, and other instructors that I get to work with, and even get to hang out with outside of our jobs, crafting classes,” Vasa said.
While the attendees cleaned up at the conclusion of class, Vasa asked for feedback to help improve the class for the next week. Her request matches the overall mentality of UREC: getting people moving in ways they enjoy and providing them with the best experience possible.
Wong noted that UREC is always open to suggestions and applications from any certified instructors. He encourages students to try the fitness classes and to be open in sharing their thoughts.
“Go ahead and email fitness and tell us what you’re looking for, and then we’ll try and accommodate you there,” Wong said.
Pilates classes are held each Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. and Wednesday at 1 p.m., each lasting for 45 minutes. The full fitness class schedule can be found posted around UREC or on the UREC website.
