Photo by: Lin Cong
Exercising is good for the body, soul and mind.
Whether you want to burn off holiday tummy flab or center yourself in child’s pose, workout instructor Leslie Schallert can help.
She teaches a variety of classes that are free to DU students at the Ritchie Center.
Schallert’s classes include power sculpt, pilates, yoga and abs workout.
“It’s healthy to have a variety of workouts because it keeps your muscles guessing so that your body doesn’t acclimate to the exercise,” Schallert said about the different classes that are available. “Mentally, it’s good, too, so that you don’t get bored with your workout,” she said.
Schallert started teaching at the Ritchie Center last August. Prior to living in Denver she taught classes for three years at Northern Arizona University where she was also completing her undergraduate degree.
In 2008, Schallert traveled to India where she took intensive yoga instruction in order to earn her teaching certification. She spent three months taking classes both at Yoga Point in northern India and Sivananda in south India.
Besides teaching at the Ritchie Center, she also conducts workout classes at Bally Total Fitness and leads a tennis class for seniors at Meadow Creek.
“It’s fun, workout classes are geared toward motivation and pushing people and it’s good to surround yourself with others,” said Schallert. “Classes allow you to implement a set time for working out and are also a time for socializing and meeting your peers.”
Schallert explained that her classes benefit strength and flexibility, and that she likes to stress body awareness.
Her advice for students is that it is important to exercise consistently.
“Make working out a priority like brushing your teeth. Do it every day,” Schallert said. “Always thank yourself for committing the time to exercise and thank your body for what it does as well.”
For more information on the classes and the weekly schedule, visit the DU recreation website at recreation.du.edu. The class schedules are located under the Health and Fitness tab.
