Going to a fitness center can provoke a range of emotions. For some, those feelings include confidence and dedication. But for many, going to the gym can create feelings of anxiety.

Many students do not have the resources or time to commit to a gym membership. Luckily, Drury day school students have free access to the Barber Fitness Center.

The Barber Fitness Center is located next to the Panther Clinic attached to Weiser Gym. Students need only their ID card to scan in to the gym.

Individuals who are nervous about going to the gym are not alone. According to a study by Sport England, 75 percent of women do not workout because they fear what others think of them.

A common anxiety among people who attend the gym is the fear of making mistakes. The Barber Fitness Center offers free classes at a variety of times that could help ease that nervousness.

“Classes are a great way to be motivated and pushed,” said junior Madeline Smith. Smith started going to the Barber Fitness Center workout classes her freshman year a few times a week but now goes every day.

“I started utilizing the classes that they have at the gym because they were convenient and free, and I didn’t have to make up my own workouts,” Smith said. “There was someone there telling me what to do and motivate me, which is really what I need.”

Smith found it really helpful that she could modify the workouts to her level of fitness.

And starting a fitness journey can happen at any age. One of the fitness instructors, Kim Hughes, started pursuing fitness around six years ago.

Hughes recognized the importance of maintaining her health and was looking at different options for cardio. She did not enjoy running, but wanted something more intense than walking. She signed up for a spin class because she thought it would make her feel more obligated to exercise.

Fitness instructor, Kim Hughes, leading her 12:00 cardio/core class at the Barber Fitness Center.

“I did my first spinning class and hated it but I had bought an eight-class punch card. I said I would do those eight classes and never go back again… After about three classes I loved it and thought it was the best thing I’ve ever done,” Hughes said.

Through working out, Hughes claims she has a more positive attitude and has helped her feel better. Her goal is to continue to live a healthy lifestyle and remain active. It was this change that motivated her to start teaching classes.

Hughes started working in the offices at Drury and would use her lunch break at noon to teach a class. Just over three years ago, she decided to quit her desk job and be a full time fitness instructor.

Even for Hughes, going to the gym for the first time was nerve-racking.

“I was afraid to go to my first spin class but when I actually went I realized it was a bunch of people just like me. We’re always afraid of what we do not know or what we have never done, but I think people would be pleasantly surprised,” Hughes said.

Hughes believes that people should be open to more than just the first class and it takes more than one attempt to decide if you like it or not. Smith agreed, sharing that it can be a challenge to develop a fitness routine.

“It takes some guts, but just showing up for a class can be really hard and you can want to give up. I say that you should go to at least three classes because then it starts to become more of a habit and you feel better about it,” Smith said.

Hughes expressed a similar sentiment. The consistency in returning to class plays a major role in participants confidence and fitness progression.

“I think they would be surprised at what they can do, how fast they could progress and how they may have fun and feel a whole lot better afterwards,” Hughes said.

Smith recommends any class with Hughes as a good starter class.

“Her style is a little less intense so it’s more comfortable for people to come into those classes and feel welcome,” Smith said.

Hughes agreed, saying that her classes are for all different levels of fitness and for all age levels.

If you want a more challenging class, Smith recommended cross training with Brooke Harris.

“I love it because it’s super intense and [Harris] is an awesome instructor,” Smith said. “ If you go in and you’re not really fit, you can still get a really good workout in. If you’re on a higher level, you’ll feel really satisfied when you leave.”

Smith suggested that yoga with Mollie McGinnis is a good way to build a foundation for fitness.

There are many different reasons why people  workout and finding the right class can be instrumental in finding enjoyment in exercise.

Workouts are written on a whiteboard and the people in the class get to pick which exercise they want to start with. Then they work their way through the list.

Going to fitness classes or working out on your own can help ease some stress tied to others aspects of life. Smith explained that she was very active throughout her childhood and into high school. Smith was nervous coming into college because she did not want to lose the healthy lifestyle she had established earlier in life. Through the workout classes at Drury, Smith has felt empowered.

“Working out gives me a really nice break from my day. It gives me a lot of energy and I feel a lot better. Aside from that I just don’t think I could quit taking the classes now that I have established such a great friend group within [the classes],” said Smith.

Hughes’ objective when teaching a class is for every student to walk out of the gym feeling like they have accomplished their individual fitness goals for the day.

“I feel like if they walk out and they are happy with their class, what they have done, what they have accomplished, my job is done,” said Hughes.

Smith believes that surrounding yourself with other people pushes you to go further and motivates you. She enjoys having her own goals within the context of a group exercise. This allows everyone to get a better workout while spending time together.

If you are interested in beginning a workout routine or attending one of the classes, the Barber Fitness Center is open from 7 a.m.- 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m.- 9 p.m. on Friday and 12- 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Students and staff can pick up workout class schedules on the gym front desk during their operating hours.

Article by Taylor Perkins.