Fitness Center West Group Workout Classes Boost Mental Health
January 30, 2025 by Paige Stanley
Conveniently located in Elm Hall on West Campus, Fitness Center West (FCW) is a fully equipped gym only available to HFS residents. As an alternative to the UW Intramural Activities Building (IMA), FCW is a smaller, more relaxed environment for residents. In addition to cardio and strength equipment, FCW has two large wood-floored studios for free fitness classes taught by UW students.
It can be challenging to stay active in college when balancing class and work schedules; however, there are great benefits. Research indicates that exercise improves memory retention and focus, boosts mood, relieves stress and stimulates brain cell activity.
FCW Fitness Instructor, Leila S, explained the impact that working out has on improving mental health:
“The transition to college can be really tough with navigating new friendships, juggling difficult classes and living alone. Working out is an excellent way to cope with all this stress, calm the mind and reset the nervous system,” Leila said. “Especially during winter, when days are dark and gloomy, working out is one of the best ways to release endorphins and maintain mental health.”
Leila recommends group workout classes as a great place for students to start their fitness journey due to the assistance from instructors in learning fitness skills.
Leila began her fitness instructor journey in high school when she began receiving guidance, feedback and training from Jennifer, an instructor and manager at her mom’s gym. As a multi-sport athlete growing up, Leila has always been very active. By the summer of 2019, she was teaching circuit, Total Body Resistance Exercise (TRX) and spin classes multiple times a week.
Now, Leila teaches core conditioning and circuit bootcamp classes weekly at Fitness Center West.
“My goal with my classes is to create an inclusive space where individuals of all fitness levels feel comfortable showing up,” Leila explained. “I make sure to give a variety of modifications and difficulty levels on exercises, provide one-on-one attention and assistance when needed, and build in social/bonding time via introductions, partner exercises and post-workout chitchats.”
Adding a specific time in your schedule to go to the gym is a great way to hold yourself accountable. Group fitness classes are an easy way to schedule a workout as well as meet new friends. As Leila explained, fitness classes foster social bonding between participants.
In addition to Leila’s core conditioning and circuit bootcamp classes, FCW offers a classes at a variety of skill levels taught by qualified instructors including hip hop, yoga and more.
Fitness Center West is open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. Leila will be teaching core conditioning at 5:30 p.m. and circuit bootcamp at 6:15 p.m. on Wednesdays for the rest of the winter 2025 quarter. Sign up for classes here.
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