Exploring Ohio State’s Exciting New Fitness Offerings

Ohio State University’s Sport, Fitness, and Health Program (SFHP) is launching an impressive lineup of new courses for the spring semester, catering to the evolving interests of its student body. This spring, students can look forward to innovative courses including pickleball, pilates, strength training, and even an intriguing class called “Way of the Saber,” all aimed at enriching the diverse fitness experiences offered on campus.

A Growing Course Catalog

The upcoming spring semester will see SFHP expand its course catalog to nearly 60 offerings, demonstrating a commitment to providing engaging and relevant fitness options for students. Alexandra Butts, the program manager, highlighted that these new classes were specifically requested by the students themselves. “We listened to our students, and these courses were all strongly recommended by them,” Butts emphasized, showcasing the program’s responsiveness to student needs.

Signature Courses

Among the new additions are:

1. KNSFHP 1171.02 — Pickleball 2: Capitalizing on the growing popularity of this paddle sport, the second-level pickleball class promises to offer more advanced strategies and skills.

2. KNSFHP 1148.12 — Pilates 2: Building on foundational principles, this course will take students deeper into the transformative practice of Pilates, helping them enhance their core strength and flexibility.

3. KNSFHP 1148.13 — Strength Training 2: This course aims to elevate knowledge around proper techniques and strength-building strategies, suitable for all fitness levels.

4. KNSFHP 1169.16 — Way of the Saber: Perhaps the most distinctive, this course allows students to delve into the art of saber combat, influenced by various martial arts and popular media franchises.

The Fascination of “Way of the Saber”

“What an intriguing pitch meeting,” said Butts about the inception of the “Way of the Saber” class. This course invites students to engage in skills ranging from hand-to-hand combat techniques to authentic saber sparring. According to instructor Aaron Gall, the class integrates lessons from different backgrounds of weapon-based martial arts with elements inspired by beloved movies and shows. “It’s going to have different forms that you’re going to learn, and it’s going to have a lot of sparring,” Gall explained, hinting at the dynamic nature of the course.

Inclusivity and Community Engagement

The SFHP team is dedicated to ensuring these courses are accessible to all students, across various backgrounds and fitness levels. Butts expressed a keen interest in attracting more first and second-year students, encouraging them to seize the opportunity to explore these unique classes early in their college journeys. “It feels like we get a lot of seniors who always express how they wish they would have taken them earlier,” she noted.

Moreover, with over 1,400 student organizations on campus, there are countless opportunities for students to form connections and build communities around shared interests in health and fitness.

Multifaceted Growth Through Fitness

The courses offered through the SFHP not only provide elective credits but also focus on mental and physical development. Elaine Torrie, an instructor in the program, emphasized the importance of catering to diverse body types and fitness backgrounds: “It’s my job to make them approachable to students of all body types and backgrounds.” This ethos aligns with the SFHP mission to promote an active, healthy lifestyle while allowing students to explore new hobbies.

Expert Instruction

Students can expect a high level of expertise from instructors dedicated to their craft. Senior lecturer Tamara Rankin commented, “You won’t regret it. You are getting incredible, highly skilled instructors with all our courses. We love what we do and care about our students.” Her endorsement underscores the program’s commitment to student engagement and skillful instruction.

Registration Information

With registration for the spring semester now open, students are urged to check their enrollment scheduling times, which were distributed via email. Interested individuals can also find this information on BuckeyeLink, providing an accessible path for all to join in on these exciting new offerings.

As Ohio State continues to expand its array of fitness courses, the opportunity for students to engage in enriching, community-focused, and innovative activities has never been greater. Whether discovering the exhilarating world of saber combat or perfecting their pilates technique, there is something for everyone to enjoy.