23 January; By Mrinal Asija
Watching the athletes play some breathtaking tennis shots at the Australian Open has once again hit us with a volley of fitness inspiration. But being University of Melbourne staff means acting on that inspiration doesn't take much! Look no further than your workplace for gym, pool, group fitness classes, and discounted rates for booking tennis courts for just $21.5 per week.
Jessica Lea, a group fitness instructor at the University since 1994, shares why coming to the group fitness classes is a convenient option for all staff members. “It's on their work site, so they don't have to think about doing it when they go home. We provide lunchtime and after-work classes,” she said.
She also explained how the classes can also help improve work efficiency by sharing an anecdote about a woman who would start getting ideas and take notes after a workout. “It is an excellent stress relief... They can come in here at lunchtime and forget about their work and problems during the day, and then they can go out refreshed,” she said.
But the best part about the group fitness sessions is meeting new people, making new bonds, and, potentially, life-long connections. “A student who now works in our department met his future wife in the class. He likes to tell that story,” Jessica shared as she reminisced about her experience of 30 years at the University. “I love working here because you meet international students and staff members. I love getting to know people, what they are studying, what country they are from.”
Jessica teaches BodyStep which involves a mixture of upbeat, rhythmic stepping, with squat and lunge patterns to work the legs. The class combines this with movements like burpees, push-ups and weight plate exercises, resulting in a fun, uplifting, full-body workout! There are heaps of options so that everyone leaves feeling successful. Music also plays a vital role in Jessica’s group classes. “Experiments have shown that working in a group to music reduces the feeling of discomfort that you might get from exercise. The body is a natural rhythm machine. So, if you are moving to music, your body will feel good,” she stressed
Apart from BodyStep, our group fitness schedule features a wide variety of classes, up to 10 classes running everyday such as BodyBalance, Zumba, Pilates, Yoga, and more. Each class is conducted by expert trainers and designed to accommodate participants of all fitness levels. Our fitness instructors are also trained to support and guide you at every step of your fitness journey through the Summer Kickstarter Program.
So if the Australian Open or Jessica’s words have served you the inspiration to find a break in your monotonous routine and ace your fitness goals, package your salary today and sign up as a member for just $21.5 to take advantage of unlimited access to the gym, pool, group fitness classes and more! Find out more here.