OCCC’s spring semester is drawing to a close, and students who have had their free time constricted by trying to keep their GPA afloat can still find time for a great cardio workout, said Fitness Instructor Julie Slate.

Slate said group fitness classes can be a great way for students to get their hearts pumping. She said this is especially true with the kickboxing and cross training classes that are being offered from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Each class is 30 minutes long, she said. Slate, a personal trainer who has been teaching kickboxing since 1997, said the kickboxing class will improve the strength and balance of those who take it.

“The kickboxing class has a lot of shadowboxing, which is doing boxing moves without using a punching bag, as well as things that get your body moving in ways that a simple cardio exercise like running could not do,” she said. “The cross training class is a lot different than the kickboxing class in that the students in the cross training use the weights that we have. Students go at their own speed.”

Slate said she plans to start using the new Hoist equipment in the Wellness Center for the cross training class. “It’s new to me too, and it’s great.” Of the two classes, Slate said, the cross training class is more popular, and she knows why. “It’s because of the weights,” she said. “The guys come in here and they love getting a chance to use the equipment.”

Slate said both classes are designed to keep the heart rate high and the body moving. She said the classes are great for students because they’re so short.

“Students can get a full body workout in a very short time period, which is very handy. The time just flies by.” Interested students can find a list of the classes as well as the times they’re available at www.occc.edu/rf/wellness-classes.html. For more information about any of the fitness classes offered at OCCC, contact the Recreation and Fitness department at 405-682-7860 or visit www.occc.edu/rf/.