Health Update: Loyola’s Recreation and Wellness Introduces Zumba and New Group Fitness Instructors for Spring 2026 – The Greyhound – What Experts Say

From high-intensity cycling classes, strength-based lifting, low-impact Pilates, water aerobics, and now a dance-fusion Zumba class, Loyola’s Group Fitness program seeks new ways to encourage students to participate in group-based wellness initiatives. 

Group Fitness Classes are primarily held at the Fitness and Aquatic Center (FAC), with water aerobics held in the pool. The classes operate on a weekly schedule, which is typically jam-packed with a multitude of offerings, some new and some returning. 

In fall 2025, the Group Fitness program introduced water erobics as a new, low-impact aquatic option for students to participate in. This semester, the newest addition to the schedule is Zumba. The addition of Zumba adds variety to the long-standing popular classes like Pilates, barre, and indoor cycling. 

Zumba is a dance-based exercise that starts with a calm warm-up, then moves into cardio-heavy, rhythm-based movement, and closes with a weight section. The class is led by Jules Alvarado ’28 and is intentionally crafted to suit beginners while still being challenging. 

“Seeing everyone’s face light up is the best part. People feel confident doing something different from traditional training or cycling,” Alvarado said. 

Alvarado said the class begins with a light warm-up and transitions into core-focused Zumba routines, influenced by traditional salsa, merengue, and hip-hop dances. Light barbell and ankle weights get added at the end of class for a cool-down. 

Director of Recreation and Wellness Mike Castaneda said the new courses are in response to student interest. 

“For many students, there’s a fear of coming to the FAC and working out on their own. Group Fitness created a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable starting their fitness journey,” Castaneda said. 

The expansion of course offerings was in response to student feedback and receptiveness to try new forms of exercising in what will be a beginner-friendly environment. 

“Every student, every person in general has a different starting point when it comes to their fitness level. I think it provides a variety of different aspects, and it gives students an opportunity to self-assess themselves and where their fitness level is to go to a class that makes them feel comfortable to start,” Castaneda said. 

In addition to a new class offering, Group Fitness also welcomed brand new instructors and returning instructors coming back from abroad, adding fresh perspectives and energy to the program. 

All of Group Fitness’s programming, hiring, and event management is overseen by undergraduate supervisors Kira Quigley ‘26 and Anna Burke ‘27. Quigley highlights the importance of having instructors who have experience but also a unique ability to create a stimulating, welcoming environment in their classes. 

“A lot of hiring comes down to personality. Instructors need the passion and leadership to guide a group of 18 or more people and make them feel comfortable,” Quigley said.

The program also aims to host multiple events throughout the semesters to highlight social connection through exercise. Last semester’s ‘Wicked Wednesday’ promoted participants to wear pink and green for the premiere of Wicked: For Good, with each class featuring music from the movies. 

Group Fitness’s upcoming event, ‘Group XOXO,’ will be held during Valentine’s Day weekend. The event is focused on self-love, building community, and positivity. Attendees can expect affirmation cards placed on every mat and cycling bike, roses, and heart-themed decor while instructors are dressed in pink and red to match the theme. 

“Those events that build community have other aspects beyond the fitness portion and bring in a different group of people, looking for a fun and inviting event to bring a friend to,” Quigley said.

With the mix of returning favorites from semesters past and new classes, new instructors, and new events, Loyola’s Group Fitness program encourages social interaction, staying active, building confidence, and strengthening the mind and body all at once. 

Students interested in trying classes can check the class schedule on LoyolaFitness’ Instagram and can sign up for free on IMLeagues.