Adult obesity rates in Sonoma County are at 22.9 percent.  Although this may seem high, it is about 5 percent lower than the rest of the United States, which averages an obesity rate of 27.7 percent. One way that Sonoma State University continues to fight against obesity is by presenting its students with many options of physical activities to participate in. 

InMotion is one of the options that is offered at Sonoma State.  It is a component of the Recreation Center which provides group classes and support to membership holders. 

From Aug. 25 through 28 the inMotion Program at Sonoma State University offered “Free-Week” to all Sonoma State students.  The classes offered through the program change on a semester basis, but usually include classes such as yoga, pilates, dance, cardio kickboxing, spin, abs/buns/thighs, body sculpting/toning, step aerobics, boot camp and self defense.  All of the classes take place in the Niagara and Silver Strand studios, located upstairs in the Sonoma State Rec Center. 

During both the fall and spring semesters, students can purchase a membership for access into all of these classes for just $59.  inMotion is designed to serve people of all fitness levels, shapes and sizes.  The free week acts as an opportunity for students to try out different classes and decide whether or not they would like to purchase a membership for the semester.  

“I definitely think that [free week] helps increase the number of memberships purchased,” said Alyssa Gadberry, building supervisor of the Sonoma State Rec Center. She first decided to purchase her membership after attending a yoga class during free week.  

Some of the most popular classes are yoga, Zumba and PiYo.  Yoga includes elements of stretching, relaxation and self-awareness.  Zumba is a Latin-style dance class which is very high energy and fun. PiYo is a blend of Pilates and yoga which gives a good core workout and increases flexibility. 

In all of the classes offered, they cater to all different levels of experience so it is challenging and beneficial for everyone.  Classes are offered during the morning, afternoon and evening to accommodate all different student schedules. 

“There were about 20 people in the yoga class during free week this semester,” said Gadberry.  

Although some students purchased their memberships before “free-week”, others purchased passes at the end of this week after attending a variety of classes.

The whole idea behind inMotion is to provide healthy, effective alternatives to standard workouts.  They also emphasize the importance of healthy lifestyles. Although health is very important to many Sonoma State students, it can be very difficult to afford fitness classes on a college student’s budget.  InMotion provides a cheap alternative for group fitness classes that would normally cost hundreds of dollars.  

“The semester pass is cheaper than yoga elsewhere, so that’s a big reason why I am buying [a membership],” said Sonoma State junior Mia Stelling.  “The free week really helped me make my decision because I really liked the yoga instructor.  I took a few other classes that I really liked as well.”

Although there are a lot of different classes offered for a relatively low rate, many students still do not want to pay for a membership. 

“The classes seem really fun, it is just too expensive when we get to use the Fitness Center for free any ways,” said junior Nikki Lougee.

Although current Sonoma State students get free access to the Fitness Center, anyone who is affiliated with Sonoma State, including alumni, faculty and extended education students can purchase a membership each semester.  

College is supposed to be all about broadening horizons and experiencing new things.  InMotion is a healthy and active way for students to do this.  

The group classes that are offered with the inMotion program are a great deal for an alternative to standard workouts.  For more information regarding the inMotion program and memberships, visit www.sonoma.edu/campusrec/services/inmotion/ or visit the front desk in the Rec Center.