Portland State has implemented a series of women-only Group X classes this fall at the Academic and Student Rec Center. This comes as a result of high demand from students in prior terms. The new classes supplement the regularly scheduled classes, adding some extra options for women who would like to participate.
Many different reasons, such as religion, self-image and privacy, prompted the demand for women-only classes, but health was a major one.
“We want to promote a sense of community and to encourage women to come and enjoy themselves while working out, to be healthy and get them active in an environment where they are comfortable,” Program Coordinator Jen Armbruster said.
Classes are offered on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. and Fridays at 1:15 p.m. This term, the class exercise is rotating. Yoga, Zumba and boot camps are just a few of the classes offered. Each class has a certified teacher, and all windows and viewing areas are curtained off. With this system in place, all participants must arrive early and obtain a time-sensitive pass. Once a class has begun, no one is permitted to enter the room.
So far, the classes are a success, and many women are using this resource as a way to expand their exercise routines.