April showers bring May flowers. May brings  the end of a semester and all the stresses that come with preparing for final exams and completing term papers. Help alleviate those stresses by staying active. Even 30 minutes of exercise a day will help to keep your energy level up, keep you focused, and give you the extra push you need to get through finals week.

Staying active now is also a good way to get a jump on the upcoming summer season. Resolve to get moving; the benefits are enormous.

Remember, you don’t have to commit hours and hours of time to make improvements in the way you look and feel. Every time you get moving, you are doing incredible things to help improve your health and fitness. Consider taking a group fitness class. Our instructors are ready to welcome new comers into classes. For those of you who already take classes, stay focused and keep up the good work.

A copy of the group fitness schedule for May 2016 is online.

For those of you who have never taken any of our classes, if you are interested in getting in shape and improving your health but don’t know where to start, we can help. The Sports and Recreation Group Fitness Program offers opportunities to exercise and have fun at the same time. Classes include aqua aerobics, step aerobics, body sculpt, yoga, resist-a-ball training, tone and stretch, Pilates-style mat workouts, and ZUMBA! Individuals of all fitness levels are welcome in classes. Instructors will provide special assistance for those who may be new to exercise.

CSI students: Why not start the new semester off right by being active and taking a group fitness class? They are free for students. You do not need to sign up ahead of time. You can go to any and all classes that interest you.  Just be sure to bring your student ID card. Remember, beginners are welcome in all classes.

CSI staff and faculty, and members of the community can take advantage of the program by purchasing a Sports and Recreation membership that includes access to all the Sports and Recreation Center (Building 1R) has to offer (e.g., group fitness classes, cardio room, weight room, racquetball courts, pool).  Those who want to participate in group fitness classes only can purchase tickets for group fitness classes. Group fitness tickets are sold in books of five for $40. More information about membership fees and purchase of group fitness ticket booklets is available at the membership desk in the Sports and Recreation Center, Building 1R, Room 204 or by calling 718.982,3327. Membership desk hours are:

  • Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00am to 8:00pm
  • Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm
  • Saturdays from 8:00am to 3:00pm
  • Sundays from 9:00am to 3:00pm

If you are still a little hesitant about getting started, give me a call at 718.982.3084 and we can talk about your goals and what might be an appropriate place for you to start. If you have ideas about fitness classes or services you would like to see offered, feel free to send suggestions or questions about the program to marianne.mclaughlin@csi.cuny.edu.

Note: The schedule for June will be posted on the College’s Websiteat the end of May. Also note that classes scheduled in the Sports and Recreation Center (Building 1R) for Monday, May 16 will be canceled as the building will be closed for the 2016 CSI Athletics Golf Outing.

Hope to see you in a class.