On Tuesday, March 24 in the Mirenda Center, students and staff gathered for a high-energy cardio kickbox class hosted by Neumann University Campus Recreation.
The class, part of the university’s free weekly fitness programming, is designed to be inclusive for all fitness levels. With a beat-based structure and music-driven routine, participants followed a series of kickboxing movements tailored to low, moderate, or high intensity.
Instructor Julie Marzano emphasized that the class goes beyond a traditional workout.
“It’s beat-based and music-driven, so you kind of forget about how hard you’re working and just really vibing into the music,” she said.
Students follow along during the class. Photo by Jamel Barton
For many students, the class offered both a physical challenge and an enjoyable experience.
Terell Ray, a senior majoring in marketing, said his favorite part was “getting to learn the kickboxing moves and, of course, feeling the burn.” Despite the intensity, he noted that the class was fun.
“It was definitely a workout, but it was most definitely fun at the same time,” Ray said.
The class also introduced new experiences for those unfamiliar with kickboxing.
Chrispin Wrobeh, a junior liberal arts major, attended out of curiosity. “I didn’t have any experience in it… I just wanted to try it,” he said.
Wrobeh highlighted the flexibility of the class as a key feature. “If you wanted to go to a high level, you could do that… or a moderate or low level too,” he explained.
Left to right: Julie Marzano, Chrispin Wrobeh, Terell Ray. Photo by Jamel Barton.
Beyond fitness, participants and organizers alike pointed to the event’s role in strengthening campus connections. Marzano believes classes like this create opportunities for people to come together.
“It brings people together that might not typically have the same similarities or interests,” she said. “It’s just a way to come together and move your body.”
Students echoed this sense of community. Wrobeh described the class as more than just exercise, “it doesn’t even have to feel like a workout. It can just feel like a fun activity.”
He added that events like this allow students to “find and make friends while working out.”
The mental health benefits were another key takeaway. Marzano emphasized that group fitness can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
“The hardest part is showing up, and then after you do it, you always feel better… you’re in a better headspace,” she said.
With its combination of music, movement, and inclusivity, the cardio kickbox class highlights the growing role of wellness programming on campus. It is not just exercise, but a space for connection, stress relief, and community building.
