4 | www.We l l nes sCenterMagaz i ne. com The goal of the MUSC Wellness Center’s group exercise program is to serve the greater Charleston area with the safest, most effective, enjoyable and science-based group training experience possible. The program requires a considerable team effort, and we owe a debt of gratitude to Lillie Schulten, the Wellness Center’s group exercise manager, who rose to the unique challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and endeavored to provide remote group exercise classes for members. As we recover from the impact of COVID-19, Lillie continues to ensure that group exercise offers a variety of classes for all interests and abilities. Many of our members have found our group exercise classes to be more effective than individual workouts. Building community encourages accountability, which improves the consistency and motivation necessary to accomplish your personal fitness and wellness goals. “Group classes offer a benefit to all levels from beginner to advanced exercisers, and help develop relationships among students, members, and the community,” says Dusty Jackson, Director of the MUSC Wellness Center. “We always encourage members to stay connected with instructors who are there for you 10 minutes before the start of the class. ‘What limitations do you have today? What options should you consider? How should you stay hydrated during the class?’ Talk to them! They are so knowledgeable, and they are there for you,” says Johnson. Schulten calls group exercise classes “the hidden gem” of the Wellness Center. She points out that while many fitness facilities charge extra for group exercise sessions, the Wellness Center’s classes are included with every membership. “The beauty of group exercise is that it accommodates all fitness levels. Start where you are comfortable; strength and flexibility come with time and consistency,” says Schulten. The Wellness Center recently added Myzone technology to further improve our members’ group exercise experience. Myzone is a wearable fitness tracker that displays the user’s heart rate, intensity and calories on a large screen. Instant feedback tells the wearer when to ease off or step up as each zone is entered. “It’s a great tool for participants to reach their maximum and for instructors to keep everyone on their correct and safe working levels,” adds Johnson. Myzone is an excellent example of how technology and group settings can be utilized to encourage members to reach new goals in their fitness journey. Photo by Mark Staff Photography.
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