How can beginners overcome any initial hesitation or anxiety about joining a group class ? In my experience , the group fitness studios in Park Center are the most welcoming places in the gym ! Seriously , the party is in here where we are all working out together ( not just next to each other on separate treadmills while wearing earbuds ). My classes are a judgment-free zone . Come on in , and I ’ ll let you know what the class is about and what you need to set up . Our participants are pretty amazing ambassadors as well ; I ’ ll often see another member introducing themselves and pointing out the equipment before I can even get to them . ▪
MEET
Kristy Vandekerckhove
Kristy has been teaching classes at Park Center Health & Fitness for nine years . She teaches seven classes a week including fan favorites like WERQ , Intervals and Aqua Zumba .
How does the group dynamic in a fitness class enhance motivation and accountability for participants ? What better way to find friends than in a class ?! From the moment you enter the studio , people are greeting each other and chatting while they set up . It ’ s a supportive environment where we get to know each other , recognize when you ’ re there , and miss you when you ’ re not ( and hope that everything is okay ). I ’ ve seen years-long friendships form in our classes . Our aqua classes even host potluck luncheons several times a year !
Have you witnessed any inspiring stories or transformations within your classes ? Definitely . Of course I ’ ve seen participants make significant physical changes — weight loss , body composition changes , recovering from injuries or surgeries , etc . Those are all great things ! But , I think it ’ s the unseen changes — often impacting mental
health — that have been most important to me . The participant who tells me that classes lifted her spirits after surviving breast cancer or the loss of a spouse ... the stressed young mother who finally feels more like herself after letting loose in a weekly dance class ... these are the reasons I do what I do .
How can beginners overcome any initial hesitation or anxiety about joining a group class ? In my experience , the group fitness studios in Park Center are the most welcoming places in the gym ! Seriously , the party is in here where we are all working out together ( not just next to each other on separate treadmills while wearing earbuds ). My classes are a judgment-free zone . Come on in , and I ’ ll let you know what the class is about and what you need to set up . Our participants are pretty amazing ambassadors as well ; I ’ ll often see another member introducing themselves and pointing out the equipment before I can even get to them . ▪
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GET 1 FREE GROUP FITNESS CLASS PASS !
In honor of National Heart Month , get that blood pumping at one of our group fitness classes ! Park Center Health & Fitness provides 110 + in-person and virtual group fitness classes to choose from . Fill out the submission form at the QR code and you will receive 1 free group fitness class pass , which can be used any time before July 31 , 2024 .
Limit one per person , submissions to receive a free pass will close on March 31 , 2024 .