Shape Up TCC classes promote physical education

By Matt Fulkerson/sports editor

Jason Floyd/The Collegian  NE students Joshua Sauseda partners with Kristen Terrell during professor Linda Quinn’s Ballroom Dancing class. Students can focus on dance styles like foxtrot and swing and get fit.
Jason Floyd/The Collegian NE students Joshua Sauseda partners with Kristen Terrell during professor Linda Quinn’s Ballroom Dancing class. Students can focus on dance styles like foxtrot and swing and get fit.

To promote physical education and exercise among faculty and staff, NE Campus created Shape Up TCC classes, but several are now open to students.

“Some of the classes can be taken for credit, and a few are clubs that allow students to join whenever they want,” said Laura Bradford, NE health and physical education instructional associate.

NE instructional associate Shane Whitehead teaches a self-defense course reserved for employees but also helps to supervise the campus’ Martial Arts Club. The club is available for students and meets 12:30-1:15 p.m. every Wednesday at the racquetball courts.

“We do several of the same exercises in both groups, and students don’t need to have any previous experience,” Whitehead said.

Ballroom Dancing is a credit course offered during each fall and spring semester.

“The class focuses on four different styles, which include swing and foxtrot. The third and fourth styles I pick based on the personality of the class,” said dance professor Linda Quinn. “No experience is necessary, and you don’t need a dance partner to sign up.”

The Walking and Jogging class can be taken for credit or fun, said physical education instructor Kevin Harper.

“The majority of students are here for credit, but we allow students who are training for 5Ks to join in as well,” he said. “The only difference is they aren’t required to complete the written assignments.”

Students who opt to take the actual course must compete in at least two 5K events and write reports about their experience.

Slowing down the pace, vice president of student affairs Maggie de la Teja leads a weekly Walking Club that meets 7:45-8:15 a.m. every Friday on the jogging trail.

“We initially began the group to encourage regular exercise for faculty and staff, but we would certainly welcome any students who would like to join us,” de la Teja said.

While several of these classes do not offer any credit incentives, the ability to participate with others and get some exercise is its own reward.

“Research has shown that we should all be getting regular exercise every couple of hours,” de la Teja said. “Having a set time to meet is a good way to get into that practice.”

Those interested in joining any of the Shape Up TCC classes or clubs available to students should visit the gym for additional information.