To preface: Everything said in this article is hypothetical. We hypothetically offer all these classes on campus, and hypothetically, some result in easier As than others. These suppositions are subject to change per semester and instructor, so keep that in mind whilst reading along, and take all of the following information with a grain of salt.
Choosing courses at university is usually a simple task. Each major and minor has a linear process of completion, and other requirements are quite easy to select based on personal interest and demand. However, the one course that every college student living off of ramen and a prayer dreads is the required fitness class… the looming and dooming FRA.
Southwestern offers a variety of Fitness and Recreation courses, ranging all the way from Bowling and Recess Sports to Martial Arts and Pickleball. What is not so simple, though, is what class to choose.
Weight Training is a popular selection for most, offering students the ability to exercise in a controlled environment (and essentially work out for a grade). Most report that it is a relatively simple class, but one thing to note is that it is highly independent. Students plan and set up their own workout to perform in class, with the instructor mainly just being there as a resource. It’s relatively short, only requiring 50 minutes three times a week.
The actual timeslots for each FRA, including Weight Training, are quite flexible. Some classes are only offered in the morning, but usually vary in time. Additionally, some are only two days a week compared to three. Make sure to read the fine print so you don’t accidentally sign up for an 8:00 am three times a week! We hardly get enough sleep as is…
Total Fitness and Cardio Core are pretty similar to Weight Training in that both courses help students maintain a regular workout plan. If you are looking for a way to implement exercise into your schedule but are unsure where to begin, then these would be good choices for you.
Yoga has earned some high praise this semester as well. “Chill” is a word that came up for most participants while discussing the course. It is like any regular, guided yoga class, with the instructor leading students through various exercises and poses while also providing alternative positions for those with mobility issues or injuries. The coach is very involved with the students and makes an effort to motivate and connect with them on a deeper level than just an instructor.
If you’re looking for something a bit more loose, then you should consider Recess Sports. The class is very relaxed and the exercises consist of fun, playground games that will bring you right back to fifth grade. After every session, students can gather to talk about their childhood and other experiences in a safe space. “It’s more than just a regular PE class,” said one participant.
In a similar vein, Leisure Sports and Recreation focuses on childhood games like “Duck, Duck, Goose”, scavenger hunts, and more. The most “intensive” game they (allegedly) ever played was dodgeball. Overall, it is a fun and quite humorous way to earn your fitness credit.
As of right now, Tennis and Pickleball are some of the only other “sports” offered as an FRA credit (unless you want to argue about the athleticism required for Bowling, but we can save that for another time). Both involve you playing against other students, so if you are passionate about either and are a fan of a more competitive game, it’s a nice way to get a match in during your busy schedule. As someone who took Tennis, the coach is extremely supportive. If you do not know how to play, she hosts a beginner’s guide in one of the courts. If you do, though, all you need to do is grab some tennis balls and go play. The only downside is that both classes ask you to purchase your own supplies beforehand.
The only off-campus course, at least this year, is Bowling. The class actually takes place in an alley nearby, Lucky Strike Bowling. The university does offer to transport students, but we would recommend having your own transportation just in case. The other downside is that it requires a $75 fee to participate. Aside from that, though, the class is extremely fun. You don’t need to be an expert at bowling to succeed; all you really need is to show you’re trying. Participation is the main focus, and the coach is extremely supportive. The “final” consists of students splitting off into teams and competing against each other. Everyone who has taken it has absolutely loved it.
Mixed Martial Arts has gone through various changes over the years, sometimes differing based on individual arts. The purpose of the course remains the same, though, as it mainly focuses on basic self-defense practices while honoring the history and culture behind it. It is regarded as a fun and relatively laid-back class.
Swim and Jog for Fitness are pretty self-explanatory. Unless you are passionate about either, though, we wouldn’t recommend taking these courses unless you want to push yourself to expand your horizons (and cardio capacity).
If you want a combination of various activities, then Barre Above Fitness might be the fit for you. The class combines yoga, pilates, and ballet all into one course. It is regarded as quite fun, but also falls on the more athletic side. Sometimes the instructor includes weights or other exercises that might not be the easiest addition for less-active students (I mean, most of us aren’t D3 athletes anyway). Either way, though, you can take it at your own pace and only perform what you feel comfortable doing.
Now, our rankings of each class are based purely on the lens of an unathletic, sleep-deprived university student looking for an easy fitness credit. We acknowledge that a large portion of our peers are athletes and may enjoy more rigorous classes. We, however, do not. So, without further ado, here are the Megaphone’s official Fitness and Recreation class rankings!
13. Cardio Core.
12. Swim for Fitness.
11. Jog for Fitness.
10. Total Fitness.
9. Mixed Martial Arts.
8. Weight Training.
7. Pickleball.
6. Tennis.
5. Barre Above Fitness.
4. Bowling.
3. Yoga. With all those raving reviews, it deserves to be on the podium.
2. Recess Sports. I mean, come on, it’s in the name.
1. Leisure Sports and Recreation. If we had to choose a favorite, it would be this class. Playing childhood games for a grade? Sign us up!
Unfortunately, we cannot put all thirteen at #1. Some of these classes are very close in ranking or even tied with each other, but we still had to place them at their own individual position. Additionally, all these rankings come down to personal taste. If you think you’d enjoy Cardio Core or Jog for Fitness, don’t let us stop you!
At the end of the day, you don’t really choose the FRA… it chooses you.