A new pattern has been cropping up on Dickinson’s event app, Corq. Each night is filled with free, one-hour fitness classes – including those taught by students. 

Although the class’ teachers are students, they are required to receive the same certifications as any other fitness instructor said Associate Director of Fraternity Life and Experiential Leadership Education Sean Ryan. Some may have the opportunity to become certified to teach classes at their local gyms, said Ryan, while others may travel to special training facilities.

Each fitness class has its own certifications and requirements to instruct attendees. Ryan said that students typically obtain their fitness certifications during breaks when their schedules are more flexible.

Dickinson’s campus recreation department has a set budget for the weekly fitness classes. As a result, student instructors are paid for each class they teach, Ryan said. Typically, classes are already established by campus recreation, however, students who have certifications in non-represented fitness instructions can approach the department to add new classes, said Ryan.

Sophomore Katharine Srere’s spinning class provides an environment for people of all levels of physical fitness. Spinning is an stationary bicycling exercise, so Srere starts the class with a several minutes of warm up, followed by accelerating pedal speed,  increasing the bike’s resistance, and lightweight dumbbell training.

Julienne McClure ’21, said her favorite part of the class is “the incorporation of all body parts in the workout.” Sophie Martin ’21, said she will “definitely participate in more classes in the future.”

Srere became a certified spinning instructor through a one-day program in New York City. She was approached by the Campus Recreation Department to teach spinning this year because the previous instructor is currently studying abroad, Srere said. 

“Exercise is important, but the physical education requirement is definitely not for everybody,” said Srere. “These classes are more fun and motivating.” 

The position of student instructor could seem intimidating, but Srere thinks otherwise. “The environment is very supportive because they are fellow students, it helps to bring a community together” she said.

Students can sign up for fitness classes by sending an RSVP through the Corq app. Students must participate in a minimum of 22 of the same class per semester to receive one physical education credit.