Fitness Classes at CSM Offer New Skills

Looking for something new in your workout routine? The College of Southern Maryland has a variety of fun and challenging fitness classes to keep you moving.

CSM’s fitness classes provide professional physical training and oversight in a supportive environment. A range of fitness levels are covered through Zumba, spinning, kickboxing, aquatic exercise, yoga, tai chi, pilates, drumming, and many more options.

“Classes are a great way to gain familiarity with a new sport or to cross-train with your current workout,” said CSM Wellness, Fitness and Aquatics Assistant Director Kyle Kebaugh. “Participants also report that the social aspect of a class adds to the fun and accountability, helping participants persevere as they improve their skills and get stronger.”

New classes are coming this spring, like MELT, and Paddleboard Yoga at the La Plata Campus, adding to all the returning, in-demand offerings like Fit Over 40. Early registration is recommended for these classes.

Get Ready to MELT

Residents are invited to the La Plata and Leonardtown Campus fitness centers to manage chronic pain and the effects of aging through the Myofascial Energetic Length Technique or MELT method. Both Intro to the MELT Method (WFA-6350) and The MELT Method (WFA-6400) are coming to CSM for the first time this spring.

Instructor Laura Bruce of Valley Lee is a Level 2 certified MELT Method instructor in addition to being a certified yoga teacher and yoga therapist, with more than 1,000 hours of training. “The classes will benefit anyone interested in reducing pain, stiffness and visible signs of aging,” she said.

Ms. Bruce has person experience with the value of the approach. “The MELT Method has helped me reduce pain and manage the symptoms of pain associated with scoliosis and my recovery from ovarian cancer,” she said.

The method was created by Sue Hitzman, a manual therapist and connective tissue specialist. It is a simple self-treatment that involves working with a soft foam roller or small balls to reduce effects of tension and stress accumulated through daily living. In a series of easy but specific techniques, MELT is designed to rehydrate connective tissue, aiming to make it more supportive and allow the body to release long-held tension that leads to chronic pain. It also helps decrease accumulated stress in the nervous system, improving overall wellness, Ms. Bruce said.

She said the program is a great starting point for anyone from those in their 40s, 50s, and older who want to stay active, independent, and mobile, plus active younger adults and athletes who wish to maintain a fit, toned body and achieve optimal performance without the debilitating wear and tear of just conditioning.

Intro to the MELT Method classes start April 10 at the Leonardtown Campus and March 23 at the La Plata Campus.

Extra Balance: Paddleboard Yoga

Paddleboard Yoga (WFA-8260) is one of the newest classes at the La Plata Campus Fitness Center this spring. “We are one of the first to offer this at an indoor pool in our state and even region,” said CSM Aquatic and Community Services Coordinator Tony Galeano. “I am excited because this is different than anything we have offered in the pool. You are working on strengthening, flexibility and stabilization. It’s a total body workout and a lot of fun at the same time.”

Mr. Galeano said the class will fill up quickly. There are just 10 spots and registration will be first-come, first-served until it is full or when the first day of class begins.

Combining yoga and a paddleboard offers the additional challenge of keeping balanced on an unstable surface. “This course offers similar benefits to yoga, but keeping your balance on the board requires more core and stabilization muscles,” Mr. Galeano said. “It is going to be a lot of fun and challenging at the same time.

The course is challenging, but Mr. Galeano said it works for all fitness levels. “Our instructors are very experienced in accommodating all fitness levels, but participants should be comfortable on an unstable surface and be prepared to fall in the water from time and get wet,” he said.

The first Paddleboard Yoga class starts April 3 at the La Plata Campus. Other popular fitness classes offered at the La Plata Campus pool include aqua exercise and aqua Zumba classes and swim lessons.

Stay Fit After 40

After age 25, adults lose a half of a pound of lean muscle tissue each decade, according to the American College of Sports Medicine. This progressive muscle loss is advanced by inactivity and dieting, leading to decreased energy, metabolism and strength. To help fight the effects of aging, the Prince Frederick Campus Fitness Center offers Fit Over 40 (WFA-6000).

Fitness Trainer Melvina Frazier motivates and challenges course participants with exercises to suit each participant’s experience and fitness level. She uses functional conditioning and combines muscular and cardiovascular training.

“We focus on muscular endurance/strength, balance, flexibility and cardiovascular training,” Ms. Frazier said. “Fit Over 40 is a great course for your overall health, and it prevents loss of muscle mass that starts around age 40.”

The class is great for all levels of ability, she said. “This class is designed to meet fitness needs at any level. Exercises are customized to ensure clients’ fitness goals are met,” Ms. Frazier said.

Fit Over 40 classes start April 4 and May 14 at the Prince Frederick Campus. In addition, a Fit Over 40 class is scheduled to start April 26 at the La Plata Campus.

For information about upcoming fitness classes at CSM, visit CSM’s programs website. To register, visit the registration site.

For more about the College of Southern Maryland, visit its Leader member page.