Wellness & Fitness Classes & "Learn to" Series Information
Announcements, Cancellations & Changes:
* FALL SEMESTER CLASSES START TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1st - this schedule will be posted by August 21st, but will include many
of the previous classes and additions are Mindful Movement, Restorative Yoga & Dance Fitness. Some classes may also move up
to Ford Campus Center (Room 430) after fall break in October!
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 (tentative) 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, agnecy 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.
Contact: Wellness Director, Athletic Department: Chris Paradis (Alumni Gym Athletic Office, ext. 8136)