The Pilates and Yoga combination class at OCCC is a great, laid-back way for students to get their bodies relaxed and in shape, said Pilates and Yoga instructor Alisha Jackson.

Jackson said OCCC’s PiYo class is designed to help students who don’t have a ton of experience with fitness, by combining elements of both yoga and pilates.

“It’s a mixture of pilates and yoga with flow movement,” she said. “So, we don’t do really long holds like traditional yoga. It’s all body weight. It’s very modifiable to your specific fitness level. If you’re a beginner, you can take it easy and we can modify the moves.”

While some fitness classes are very specific in exercises, Jackson said, the PiYo class is very diverse in the types of exercises the students perform.

“We do a series of lunges, as well as different variations of lunges and body squats,” she said.

“We do some salutations that you would do in yoga, as well as warrior poses.

“We also do push-ups and sit-ups, and shoulder work and core work,” she said.

When combining the two elements of the class, Jackson said, she focuses on beginners.

“Combining is like a routine,” she said. “…More people of all fitness levels are able to do it. Stretching is good for flexibility. The body weight is good for strength without impact.”

While the class is a very good introduction to the fitness world, Jackson said the class also can help accomplished athletes.

“This class is great for anyone in any different sport, too,” she said. “It’s so good for strength and for flexibility.

“If you’re flexible, you’re going to perform better in whatever sport you’re doing — whether it’s running or dance, even weightlifting and powerlifting.”

The PiYo classes are from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.

Jackson said the class can work as a 30-minute class and some students even use it to warm up for other activities.

“You can make it an hour class or a 30-minute class,” she said. “I have students that do both. I have one gentleman that uses this class as his warm-up class and then he’ll go do the TRX class right after.”

For more information about any of the classes offered on campus, contact Recreation and Fitness at 405-682-7860 or visit www.occc.edu/rf/index.html.