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  Wellness & Fitness Classes & "Learn to" Series Information 


      Announcements, Cancellations & Changes:

          * FALL SEMESTER CLASSES have started - a few classes may move to Ford Campus Center (Room 430) after fall break in October!

        Class Schedule as a PDF ~ Click Here!

      LEARN TO LIFT     Learn the basics of using the fitness center with Jo Glading DiLorenzo (Tuesdays 9/22, 9/29 and 10/6)
                                       7:00pm (meet in Gym lobby at 6:45pm).

      LEARN TO GOLF   Learn the basics of golf with Jeff Edwards (Wednesdays 9/23, 9/30 and 10/7)
                                       4:30pm (meet in front of Alumni Gym at 4:15pm). 

      General Information 2025-2026: 

  • YOGA MATS are NOT provided and participants MUST bring their own for hygiene reasons. If you cannot afford your own mat, please let us know!
  • CLASSES are open to all Amherst College (& Five College) Community members with a valid Alumni Gym ID/Pass or Institution ID.
  • Always check our website for up to date information on classes, as some classes may be canceled or changed due to various circumstances.

       Class Locations:

  • Ford Campus Center (430)
  • Conway Classroom (1206 Alumni Gym)
  • O'Connor Commons (Charles Pratt Dorm 1st floor)
  • Middleton Gym (Main Gym Entrance/Alumni Gym)
  • Friends Room  (accessed off of cage balcony)

    Class Schedule  FALL 2026 - List View and Descriptions: 
  • Monday
    • Yoga 12:05-12:55 PM Conway Classroom       Sebastian Merrill & Chris Paradis
    • Embodied Healing 3:15-4:15 PM (STUDENTS ONLY) Conway Classroom/Ford TBA     Cassiel Owens
    • Barre 5:00-6:00 PM Conway Classroom     Ruxy Paul 
  • Tuesday
    • Strength & Cardio 12:05-12:55 PM Conway Classroom     Jo Glading-DiLorenzo
    • Dance Fitness 4:30-5:30 PM O'Connor Commons/Ford TBA    Lauren Banfield
  • Wednesday
    • Yoga 12:05-12:55 PM Conway Classroom     Molly Terrill
    • PickleBall 12:05 - 12:55 PM Middleton Gym    Lauren Reutenauer
    • Mindful Movement 4:00-5:00 PM Conway Classroom/Ford TBA  Jimmy Ilson
    • Restorative Yoga & Sound Bath 5:15pm - 6:15pm  Conway Classroom/Ford TBA.    Diana Petersross
  • Thursday
    • Skip 2 the Beat 12:05-12:55 PM Alumni Gym (Middleton)    Billy McBride
    • Stretch & Strength 12:05 - 12:55 PM  Conway Classroom     Chris Paradis & Jess Lapachinski
    • Zumba Fitness 4:00-5:00 PM O'Connor Commons/Ford TBA   Lauren Gladu
    Friday
    • Yoga 12:05-12:55 PM Conway Classroom   Brenna Werme & Chris Paradis
    • Power Barre 5:00-6:00 PM Conway Classroom/ Ford TBA.       Ruxy Paul 
 

Yoga w/Brenna Werme
 Embodyoga® is a journey into self employing the specific techniques of Embodied-Inquiry, Embodied Anatomy & Developmental Movement, and traditional yoga practices. These methods provide important keys for deepening awareness & opening to thorough self-acceptance as foundational for clearing the pathways of perception. All levels/bring a yoga mat if possible.

Embodied Healing w/Cassiel Owens (STUDENTS ONLY)
This weekly group explores somatic practices, yoga and meditation as a means to support embodiment, ease, resilience, agency and vitality. All students are welcome and no experience necessary.

 Barre w/Ruxy Paul
 One of the hottest fitness trends, Barre workouts transform the body through high-energy, low-impact exercises that make them ideal for all fitness levels and ages. Set to fast-paced hip music, this class is a fusion of Pilates, ballet-inspired movements, cardio conditioning, and strength & flexibility training designed to deliver an effective total body workout that lengthens and tones muscles, improves posture, &   builds a strong core.  No experience necessary (bring yoga mat if possible - grippy socks/optional).

Strength & Cardio w/Jo Glading-DiLorenzo
This class is for everyBody and anyBody who wants to build foundational strength & power. This high intensity interval class includes strength (40 seconds) and cardio sets (30 seconds) that help you build strength and cardio. Everything is taught in a safe &comfortable environment with modifications that allow every participant to benefit. This is an inclusive class that is accessible, challenging & fun! 

 Yoga w/Chris Paradis and Sebastian Merrill
 This midday slow flow yoga class focused on mindful movement as well as embodiment and alignment principles. You can expect a full body asana practice along with space for breathing (pranayama), moving meditation, and relaxation.
All levels welcome/bring a yoga mat if possible.  

Yoga w/Molly Terrill
Deepen awareness, tone body and mind, and spend an hour moving and breathing during this all-levels flow style class. Sequences include detailed instruction and pose progressions, longer holds, and cues for mindful breathing. Come prepared to sweat a little, relax a lot, and leave feeling grounded and centered. All levels welcome.

 Pickleball w/Lauren Reutenauer
 Drop in and try this fastest growing sport on Wednesdays at Noon. Pickleball combines elements from a variety of sports such as tennis, badminton, & ping-pong.  It is well suited for all ability levels & ages. All are welcome/no experience or equipment needed.

 Dance Fitness w/Lauren Banfield
 Get ready to move, groove, and sweat in this high-energy dance fitness class designed for all levels! Set to an upbeat play list, this class blends dynamic movements with cardio to help you improve coordination and have a blast. No prior dance experience needed -
just bring your energy and smile!

Stretch & Strength w/Chris Paradis & Jess Lapachinski
Ever wish you did more strength training in a yoga class or more stretching in a strength class?  Come try this new offering this fall!  This class combines yoga-inspired movements, strength training with bodyweight and/or hand weights, and light cardiovascular fitness.  This will be an inclusive class that allows for modifications ~ all are welcome, no experience in strength training or yoga necessary. 

 Zumba® Fitness w/Lauren Gladu
 Zumba® Fitness takes the "work" out of workout by mixing low-intensity & high-intensity moves for an interval style dance fitness party. Once the World  rhythms take over, you'll see why the class is exercise in disguise.Fun, sweaty and community building, Zumba combines cardio, strengthening, balance & flexibility, as well as boosts of energy and a serious dose of awesome. All abilities welcome!

Power Barre w/Ruxy Paul
 More cardio. More sweat. Step up to the challenge with a workout that combines barre and cardio elements to enhance flexibility, increase endurance, and sculpt and tone the entire body. All fitness levels welcome/bring a yoga mat.

Mindful Movement w/Jimmy Ison
This class is an introduction to the 37 Posture T'ai Chi form as a path to study mindfulness and physical well-being. Additional movements will offer participants the opportunity to feel more ease in their bodies, and bring this with them into their every day lives. All are welcome and no experience is necessary; please wear loose fitting clothing and comfortable shoes.

Restorative Yoga & Sound Bath w/Diana Petersross
This is a slower yoga practice utilizing props (bolsters, blankets, etc) which allows for longer holds, stillness & deep rest. The gentle resonance of Tibetan bowls encourages the nervous system to settle. This combination of yoga with sound bath healing promotes deep relaxation, which research suggests may also benefit memory, focus and productivity off the mat. No experience required… come rest, receive and let go.

  Contact:  Wellness Director, Athletic Department: Chris Paradis (Alumni Gym Athletic Office, ext. 8136)