The University Recreation Center hosted an Eras Tour-themed night of condensed group fitness classes to commemorate the arrival of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour to New Orleans on Thursday, Oct. 24. The event drew in dozens of participants and highlighted the unique program offerings of the UREC GroupX program.
The Eras-themed event consisted of 20-minute fitness sessions that were each themed around a specific Swift album; “Folklore” and “Evermore” for Yoga, “Red” for Cycling and so forth. The sessions were scheduled meticulously so that participants could try a bit of everything, creating a tour-like effect.
Participants also collected colored beads from each class, which they used to create friendship bracelets, a nod to the tradition of Swift fans making and exchanging friendship bracelets at her concerts. GroupX instructors assisted with check-ins and ensured that the night went smoothly, with some even dressing up in their own Swift merch.
The energy of the event was bright and fast paced, with everyone from friend groups who share admiration for Swift to individuals who just wanted to explore GroupX enjoying themselves and forming new connections.
Ryan Lamb, the coordinator of fitness programs at UREC, said he hopes to create a welcoming environment that compels participants to come back.
“I want people to get taste of the different classes that GroupX has to offer through Eras night,” said Lamb. “We have about 70 classes a week on our full GroupX schedule during the semester. Through events like this, participants can try formats that they normally wouldn’t and discover ways to move their bodies that feel good to them.”
Through GroupX, LSU students, faculty and staff can participate in a diverse range of fitness classes from Pilates to Zumba. The program was revamped this school year through the hiring of more instructors and increased class offerings, which has led to the UREC reaching a whopping 6,000 students and members since the fall semester began.
The UREC is also doing its annual Tiger Fit Challenge until Sunday, November 24, in which participants can take GroupX classes and earn prizes based on how many they complete. This is another example of creative program offerings that boost engagement and make fitness fun.
GroupX Pilates instructor, Nelly Nguyen, said that what she loves most about her job is the community she’s fostered.
“I love Taylor Swift and teaching group fitness, so this was both of my world colliding,” said Nguyen. “The goal in life is to surround yourself with people who life you up and in group fitness, everyone has the same goal: to be better.”
To keep up with LSU UREC and its future events, you can follow them on Instagram @lsuurec.com
