Similar to CrossFit, USF St. Petersburg’s new “Move It” program is combining different exercises to bring you a fun, personalized and varied workout. James Bennett III | The Crow’s Nest
By James Bennett III
After months of preparation and the expenditure of a $30 thousand budget, the “Move It” program finally made its debut Friday.
“Move It”, which originated in the United Kingdom, is an interval-based group fitness class that goes beyond an average gym routine.
Instead of isolating one muscle group, it follows a functional training doctrine that stresses the importance of multiple movement patterns.
In a series of 45-second intervals, attendants follow a varying circuit of zones that focus on lifting, movement, function, core, cardio and recovery.
So far the program is exclusive to USF St. Petersburg and Florida State University.
The process of bringing “Move It” to USF St. Petersburg was initiated by Al Gentilini, associate director of Campus Recreation, and Natalie Szocs, former fitness programming coordinator.
Casey Plastek, assistant director of Campus Recreation, stepped in to fill Szocs’ shoes after her recent departure and helped implement the program with Gentilini.
They intend to promote campus involvement by bringing faculty and students together in a fitness-based environment.
Classes begin with a warm-up, and students are partnered into small groups of two to three people.
They are then assigned to one of five workout stations, where they focus on one movement, such as lifting, squatting or running, before a 15-second break where they transition to their next station.
An additional rest station is provided where students are able to catch their breath.
After the six stations are completed, students take a break to discuss what is or isn’t helping them reach their fitness goals.
The instructor then amplifies, maintains or regresses the movements before students hop back in.
Equipped with an arsenal of different exercises, instructors have the capacity to make each class unique.
Matt Main, who coached the demo class, demonstrated the program’s flexibility with a previously formed template that focused on lifting, core strength and cardio.
When it was time for the class to huddle and discuss how their workouts were going, they prioritized abs and legs for the next session, so Main adjusted the circuit to reflect their needs.
Although many students joked that the rest area was their favorite zone to spend time at, the elevated planks and core momentum trainers proved to be the most sweat-inducing exercises of the demo class.
“What’s cool about (the program) is that we cater to all fitness levels, so if it’s your first day in the gym you’re gonna be fine, and if you’re a pro athlete we’ll make sure you get a good workout in,” Main said.
Although there are no future classes scheduled, students and faculty are encouraged to watch for announcements on USF St. Petersburg’s Campus Recreation social media sites.
Campus Recreation plans on scheduling two classes during weekdays and one on weekends.
Maximum capacity is 12 people per class, but may be raised to 15 depending on involvement.
