As our UP community eagerly awaits warmer weather, many of us might finally lose our “but it’s raining” excuses for avoiding the gym.
A team of Beacon staffers braved the dreary weather to try some of the exciting — and free — classes that Beauchamp Recreation & Wellness Center has to offer.
Whether you feel like dancing with friends or simply getting some exercise, The Beacon has a recommendation for your spring fitness journey.
“Swing Dancing with Liv”
Recommended by Kalena O’Connell, News and Managing Editor
Grab a partner, take off your shoes and show up curious. This class is made for beginners who are guaranteed to get the swing of things.
The instructor began class by gliding through a partner combination with effortless style and a bold promise: “You’ll be able to do that by the end of the hour.”
The intimate group exchanged skeptical smiles. Turns out, she meant it!
With a twangy country playlist blaring throughout the room, duos made up of a “lead” and a “follow” watched as Liv taught a series of basic footwork, spins and dips. Adding one element at a time, the class is paced to include time to practice, receive feedback and cheer on your friends.
Attend this class on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. and add variations like the “belt slide,” “J hook” and “sweetheart” to your dance vocabulary. From crash out to spin-out, learning to be dipped by my boyfriend was just what my week needed. You’ll even leave with a new mantra to lead your life by: “Toe to toe, good to go.”
Student exercising at Beauchamp.
“Yoga with Karen M.”
Recommended by Elaina Thomas, News Reporter
2026 was coined by social media as the year of the “2000s yoga mom aesthetic,” defined by late ‘90s workout wear and prioritizing flow and slow intentional movements. The best way to implement it? By attending a yoga class.
If you’re anything like me, and you typically get bored in yoga classes, Yoga with Karen M. is perfect for you. It almost feels like pilates, using intentional movements that both strengthen your core and stretch your whole body.
Breathing exercises are also used in the class to help with relaxation. Soft music and dim lights add to the zen experience cultivated by the practice of yoga.
It’s a lovely detox from the stressful mountain of assignments and studying.
The directions are easy to follow, and the instructor makes sure that everyone is aware of the accommodations they may need to make depending on their level of flexibility.
So grab your yoga mat — or borrow one provided by Beauchamp — and head over to yoga at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays.
Photo of Beauchamp's fitness classes offered during spring semester.
“Personal Training with Max”
Recommended by Rowan Lowery, Photographer
There’s a whole lot more to the gym than lifting weights.
Personal Training with Max focuses on individual goals and helps participants understand what is best for their own fitness regime.
Formatted as a scheduled session or drop-in hours, Max will listen, inform and guide you as you learn about what exercises are best suited to your personal needs.
I walked into Beauchamp looking for advice on how to stay fit and active when I only have time for the gym twice a week. Max took my interests and goals and designed a workout routine tailored to my experience in rock climbing and my desire to exercise my whole body.
He showed me how to do targeted bicep exercises like “preacher curls,” demonstrated proper technique for “lat pulldowns,” and recommended that I use the rowing machine for cardio because of its intensity and ability to work so many muscle groups.
The whole process was very collaborative and educational. Max spent over an hour demonstrating each exercise, explaining the purposes and answering deeper questions about diet and the workings of your muscular structure — it was really fun.
Whether it's creating long-term fitness goals or just seeking ways to improve your workout, this personal training class is fantastic. Its accessibility and the confidence it provides make this class a no-brainer for any fitness-oriented student.
This list was compiled by The Beacon staff. We can be reached at beaconeditor@upbeacon.com.
