SHELDON—For the last few weeks, many of the participants in Live Healthy Northwest Iowa 2023 have been hitting the gym, and while that is common, it’s not the only workout offered at the Northwest Iowa Lifelong Learning and Recreation Center in Sheldon.
There are a number of group fitness classes offered at the LLRC throughout the week such as aerobics, strength and balance, cycling or barre, to name a few. All of the group fitness classes may be found on the LLRC’s website at nwicc.edu/llrc/llrc-classes.
“We have a pretty robust offering of classes,” said Greta Giese, the director of Live Healthy Northwest Iowa and the LLRC. “There’s something for everyone, and there’s early morning, midmorning and after-work options. No matter what your schedule is, there’s a time for you. No matter your level of workout or type of workout preference, you can find a workout that can be a good exercise routine for you.
“Nobody should be afraid to jump into one of our classes. All of our instructors are great at modifying for newcomers or adding things for those who are more experienced.”
The website also is where you may preregister for classes, which allows you to get additional information and alerts if the workout has to be canceled.
Here is a list of the group fitness classes offered by the LLRC
Mondays
- Barre (5:30-6:30 p.m.): A low-impact workout that focuses on muscular endurance with high repetitions and small movements using a ballet bar to do all of those movements. It is taught by Carrie De Groot.
- Water Aerobics (8-9 a.m.): Held at the indoor pool at the Holiday Inn Express. You get in a great workout while exercising against the resistance of the water. “Doing jumping jacks is more effective in the water than in the gym because you are working against the water,” Giese said. It is taught by Carrie De Groot. Also offered Wednesday mornings.
- Dance Fitness (7-8 p.m.): The class combines music with an aerobics routine. “You can get in a great workout while having lots of fun,” Giese said. It is taught by Tasha Adrian.
Tuesdays
- Step Aerobics (6-7 a.m.): The class is a callback to the aerobics craze of the 1980s. The workout has some choreography as you are doing your routine. The step benches help enhance the cardio. It is taught by Tasha Adrian. Also offered Thursday mornings
- Strength and Balance (10-11 a.m.): This is safe and effective for every level. The strength training helps with bone density to stave off osteoporosis. Instructor Janice Wielenga teaches the participants how to do each exercise correctly and safely.
Wednesdays
- Water Aerobics (8-9 a.m.): Also offered Monday mornings.
- Kids Zone (10-11 a.m.): This is a new program. It helps mom get to the recreation center even with the little ones. She can get a workout in as the LLRC staff takes care of the kids. “One of my student employees is going to school for early childhood education, so this seems like a great fit to help with that program,” Giese said.
- Barre Stretch (5:30-6:30 p.m.): Similar to regular Barre but takes the regular class and fuses in some different stretches and posturing for flexibility. It is taught by Carrie De Groot.
Thursdays
- n Step Aerobics (6-7 a.m.): Also offered Tuesday mornings.
- n Indoor Cycling (5:30-6 p.m.): Six stationary bikes mimic a road bike experience. Similar to a Peloton class. A lot of calories can be burned in the workout and beginners can ease in since it is a 30-minute class. It is taught by Chantell Abshire.