The Barnes Center at l’Arche, offers over 30 free fitness classes every week. This gives Syracuse University students access to many different ways to engage in activities that will benefit them both physically and mentally. There are a variety of fitness classes including yoga, total body strength, kickboxing, cycling, zumba, and the barre. Students should not overlook the value of these activities.

While it can be difficult to adjust to college life, participating in any form of physical activity is beneficial for both body and mind. Students’ stress levels increase as the midterm and end of year exams approach, so finding time to release tension and move the body is crucial for its well-being.

As the weather changes, students are more likely to stay indoors to avoid the cold, resulting in less exercise while walking around campus. Students should use Barnes Center fitness classes to stay healthy and feel great. Winter can put many people in a state of “hibernation,” or the feeling of not wanting to go out and losing motivation. Daily activities such as walking to eat a meal, going to the library, or doing laundry and homework can become difficult.

Taking advantage of free classes can help students stay motivated throughout the winter season. Instead of falling into a state of low motivation this winter, students should encourage each other to engage in new activities like those offered at the Barnes Center. Scheduling a time with friends to attend a fitness class during the week can greatly improve mental and physical health, and potentially help students with their classes.

Physical activity helps reduce stress and improves well-being. It increases brain production of endorphins, or feel-good neurotransmitters, according to one item of the Mayo Clinic. It can also relieve stress by “mimicking the effects of stress, such as the fight or flight response, and helping your body and its systems work together through those effects,” the article read.

As students sign up for classes this week for the spring semester, ending the week with a fun fitness class with friends would be a rejuvenating activity after being overwhelmed by stress. Trying to establish a perfect class schedule can make students panic and worry about the future, but if they sign up for free fitness classes through the Wellness portal, they can forget about the high expectations and pressure by exercising with a supportive community at Barnes Center.

Jean Aiello is a first year magazine specializing in news and digital journalism. His column appears every two weeks. She can be reached at [email protected].