It’s Friday morning on campus—how are you starting your day? If you’ve caught a glimpse of recent flyers or newsletters, you might already know that Quincy offers free yoga classes. And the best part? They’re available beyond just Fridays.

Every Friday, yoga practitioner Jen Kruitmeier, from Apocatherapy studios a local spot in town, offers classes in Brenner Library at 9 a.m..

“I’ve practiced yoga for close to 40 years, and prenatal yoga too. Not only is it great exercise, it’s wonderful mental health support. So it was super important for our team to bring it to campus,” Saadia Ali Aschemann, a success coach for the university, said.

Aside from mats in Brenner, yoga classes are also offered in the Health and Fitness Center. These classes, similar in style, are offered at different times throughout the week. In addition to yoga, pilates, cycling, HITT, and other styles of exercise are also offered.

For more information, you can find the schedule on the HFC website.

“It’s nice because it’s free. It’s expensive enough to be a college student, and yoga and Pilates classes is something I didn’t think I’d have access to,” Maddie Connors said.

Yoga is for everyone.

“I recommend it for all ages, all shapes and sizes, all genders. I think its beneficial in so many ways. It makes you more mindful of you and your body, and I think its a very healthy thing to practice,” Aschemann said.

Some teams on campus attend yoga as a part of group bonding or muscle relief, but the classes offer so much more than an hour of stretches.

“I wish more students knew about it, we could offer more classes at more times. We could even do something with athletic training students if they ever wanted to help with a class,” Joyce Waterkotte, an instructor for the HFC classes, said.

If pilates and yoga aren’t your thing, you’re not out of luck. Aqua Aerobics classes are also offered on campus. Ranging from different intensities, it’s a unique way to exercise or stretch your body. Open pool hours are another option, and the schedule can also be found on the HFC website.

“Normally I’m really busy and don’t have time to leave campus to workout, especially since I don’t play a sport. But the options on campus do make it easier,” Connors said.

The HFC is a hotspot for a variety of workout styles. If you’re not interest in pilates or water aerobics, the gym and track are another option for students looking for a workout.

“I prefer working out in the gym and combine that with yoga. I just like the balance of recovery and mindfulness along with the training. It’s put me in a better mental place. Yoga brings me to the present, especially when school is stressful,” Alyssa Welko said.

Whether you’re looking to de-stress, improve flexibility, or just try something new, QU’s free fitness classes offer a several opportunities to unwind and stay active.

For more information about the HFC hours, click here.