FitChicago classes offer virtual workouts for all at no charge this quarter

University-sponsored fitness classes are available online seven days a week

The inability to go the gym in person during this pandemic has been tough for those who make fitness a regular part of their lives. That’s why virtual programming from the University of Chicago’s Department of Athletics and Recreation is so important: nearly every regularly scheduled FitChicago class—normally held at the Ratner Athletics Center or Henry Crown Field House—is online this quarter, at no charge, for everyone.

“Everything is up and running strong, and the instructors have been awesome,” said Brian Bock, Associate Athletic Director for Recreation and Fitness. “We’re giving people a way to stay physically fit while also providing a good way to stay connected to campus and each other.”

In total, FitChicago is offering 36 classes a week through both Facebook Live and Zoom, from the ever-popular Zumba to yoga, to bootcamp to barre. Classes are offered seven days a week and start as early as 7 a.m. and as late as 7:15 p.m., depending on the day of the week.

The classes are also delivered in a few different formats to help with accessibility. Some are live, a few are pre-recorded, and others include written instructions so participants can complete them at their own pace. FitChicago classes are always free for UChicago students, but with the shift to the virtual space this quarter, anyone from the public can take advantage of the instruction for free.

Want to take a vacation from your living room? Tune into Tamara Perez’s Zumba class, where the UChicago College third-year teaches via Zoom from her home in Puerto Rico, complete with palm trees in the background. The feedback from participants has been a bonus, Bock said.

“We’ve received great anecdotal comments via email, with people saying how great our instructors are and maybe more, that the positivity is something they tune in for,” Bock said. “People chat [on Facebook and Zoom during the classes], it’s fun, and it’s a nice reprieve from everything that’s going on.”

The numbers have been strong, too. Through the first four weeks of live classes, nearly 1,000 participants have taken 144 classes since the quarter began. All live classes other than Zumba are shown on Facebook Live. Zumba classes take place on Zoom—but participants are encouraged to check the Facebook page for log in details prior to the scheduled class.

For the most up-to-date information, follow FitChicago on Facebook; or for more information, email Brian Bock.