Fitness
A love letter to Duke fitness classes: Rediscovering the joy of movement
When I first got to college, one of the things I was secretly thrilled about was leaving gym class behind. No more mandatory laps, dodgeball games or mile runs that felt like a public shaming ritual. Finally, freedom from fitness I didn’t enjoy, but somehow, I found myself working out still. I’d walk miles to class, lug a too-heavy backpack around campus and take the stairs to my third-floor dorm room in Southgate religiously.
Then during freshman year, I realized my routine was missing something: the gym. I wasn’t looking to “get in shape” or achieve some fitness goal; I just wanted to feel good in my body again. I wanted to take control and exercise in a way that made my time feel meaningful. But every time I thought about walking into the gym, I hesitated. I wasn’t a “gym girly” or even the kind of person who enjoyed exercise. That just wasn’t who I was.
But after coming back from my first winter break, a friend and I decided to brave a Saturday morning yoga class in Brodie Gym. It felt surprisingly good to get up early and start the weekend off with a sense of accomplishment. So, one class turned into a weekly endeavor.
By the time the semester was over, I knew I wanted to continue exercising. Yet, I wasn’t sure I had the intrinsic motivation to frequent the gym on my own time or if yoga was really my thing (or just a convenient way to start moving). Still, yoga was the only exercise I felt brave enough to continue, so I decided to stick with it.
When class registration for sophomore year arrived, I decided to give Yoga Level 2 a shot. It being a class on my transcript was motivation enough for me to roll out of bed twice a week. Yet by Thanksgiving break, I had used up almost all of my unexcused absences and I wasn’t sure I liked yoga anymore. I loved my instructor, but the clock seemed to tick slower and louder every class until we reached our 9:45 a.m. dismissal. My mind would drift to my laundry or pending deadlines and I’d forget to breathe through the poses. I felt like a fraud for even bothering to show up when I wasn’t in the present moment.
By December, I needed a break from yoga, and since I’d taken the advanced-level course, it was a great excuse to switch to something different. So, I found myself in Pilates Level 1 the following semester. It was mentally challenging. I didn’t know anyone in the class and I didn’t enjoy the exertion of the exercises. But I didn’t know any better. I just thought everyone felt that way about exercising. It was something to push through, a task meant to be endured.
For many of us, exercising has often felt like a chore on a never-ending to-do list: We drag ourselves to the gym, go through the motions or find creative ways to avoid it altogether. Working out often feels like a means to an end, focused on physical outcomes rather than enjoyment.
For me, my mom’s lingering voice in my head saying “Don’t forget to exercise” was my number-one motivator — I was only doing it to make her proud of my “productive routine.” That all changed when I enrolled in Fusion Fitness for Women.
And boy, am I glad I did. This class has been about so much more than combining cardio and weightlifting. We hiked the Al Buehler Trail, explored Duke Gardens and Wilson’s functional fitness space, tried step aerobics, got creative with a Halloween-themed workout and ended the semester by climbing Wilson’s rock wall.
When we ventured to the weight room, I found that it wasn’t as scary as I realized. Yes, everyone looks like they know what they’re doing, and that can be so intimidating, but with my instructor Maria Finnegan there, I went in knowing I had someone who’d answer my questions without judgment. Class never felt like a chore. Instead, I looked forward to peeping at the syllabus and seeing what surprise Maria had in store for us next.
Through this class, I’ve discovered an amazing group of girls and learned the styles of fitness that work for me. The best part? The supportive environment allowed me to be fully present in the moment and find enjoyment in the process. Goodbye, step aerobics — thanks for helping me realize how uncoordinated I am. Hello, weight room, I deserve to grunt in there too. (Cycling, I’m coming for you next.)
I’ve learned that exercise can be a shared experience that forges connections. After every class, my friends and I would head to Red Mango for our well-deserved acai bowls (that sometimes got me through grueling workouts). As I’ve worked out with others and taken notes on what I’ve learned throughout this class, I’ve gained the confidence I needed to go to the weight room by myself — and even tackle new machines while I’m at it.
Another bonus of taking a class is the built-in accountability without the pressure of rigidity. I’m often so busy, I put off going to the gym at all, but having a carved time in my schedule where I have to go allows me to workout regularly. You also get six unexcused absences, meaning you can still prioritize other parts of life when needed.
Fitness classes are truly Duke’s hidden gem. They give us a chance to redefine our relationship with exercise. From Aikido to tennis to yoga, these classes encourage us to try new things and push ourselves physically without the pressure of expertise or competition. It’s not about being the strongest or the fastest but about showing up, trying something different and realizing that exercise can be enjoyable and rewarding.
Duke’s fitness classes also taught me that fitness is deeply personal. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and that’s okay. For some, working out is about building strength or improving speed, and that can be incredibly motivating. But for me, fitness has become less about measurable outcomes and more about exploration. It’s about discovering what brings me joy and makes me feel grateful for my body’s abilities.
The beauty of it all is finding what resonates with you. Fitness doesn’t have to be about forcing yourself through something you feel an obligation to complete; it’s about finding what you love and what makes you feel good.
These classes haven’t just changed how I feel about exercise in college. They’ve given me the tools and confidence I’ll carry long after graduation. Knowing how to approach a new activity, take up space in a gym (and anywhere else) and listen to your body means you’ll always have the ability to figure out what works for you, no matter where life takes you.
Ultimately, fitness doesn’t need fancy equipment or the perfect “gym.” You can use your dorm-room carpet as a makeshift yoga mat or a scarf as a stretch band, but all you really need is you.
If you’d told me as a freshman that I’d one day look forward to working out, I wouldn’t have believed you. But these classes have shown me that fitness doesn’t have to be about pushing through something you hate or striving for an ideal you don’t care about. It can be about movement that feels exhilarating, activities that spark joy and environments that encourage growth. Fitness isn’t something I dread anymore, and it doesn’t have to be that for you either. Don’t endure your workouts — enjoy them. I promise it’s much better that way.
Valentina Garbelotto is a Trinity junior. Her column, “Dear comfort zone: It’s not me, it’s you. Time to break up…”, typically runs on alternate Thursdays.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.
Fitness
How Jeremy Clarkson Reset His Health and Fitness at 66 – Walking, Pilates and Trying ‘Not to Die’
Rewind a decade or so, and Jeremy Clarkson had a particular disdain for exercise, healthy eating and denying himself life’s pleasures. He never worked out, smoked 40 cigarettes a day and, in his own words, drank four pints of wine daily. Now, at 65, his entire outlook on health and longevity has shifted.
At the heart of Clarkson’s desire to change are his young grandchildren.
‘I’m not going to dwell on the joys of being a grandparent because what can be said about it has already been said. But I have decided that it is so wonderful that I want it to go on for as long as is humanly possible. Which means I must do everything in my power not to die,’ he wrote in his column forThe Times.
And the British TV personality has certainly had a couple of wake-up calls.
After being admitted to hospital with pneumonia in 2017, Clarkson then suffered what he described as ‘really bad coronary artery problems’ at the end of 2024. Documented in the latest series of Clarkson’s Farm, he experienced a ‘sudden deterioration’ in his health and needed a stent fitted to restore proper blood flow.
Why Clarkson Finally Started Taking His Health Seriously
Since then, he has taken up reformer Pilates, had a pickleball court installed at his Oxfordshire home and started going for walks when the weather is just right.
‘Eventually, I decided that organised, indoor exercise was not for me and decided instead to do walking. Not when it’s raining obviously. Or if it’s too cold, or hot. And not if I’m busy. But on a reasonably temperate Sunday morning, I’d get out there and pootle along,’ he wrote.
‘So far I’ve relied on luck to keep me alive. But I’m in sniper’s alley right now and I have to work at dodging the bullets. Two years ago, I saw old age as a wearisome tangle of tubes and knee-replacement surgery. Now though, thanks to my grandchildren, I’m actively looking forward to it.’
Clarkson’s comments highlight just how much his attitude to ageing has changed.
‘I’m buying time. It hurts and it’s expensive. But it’s better than wasting your money on a new watch.’
The Diet Changes Behind Clarkson’s 3-Stone Weight Loss
Diet has also become a key part of his health overhaul.
He now eats burgers wrapped in lettuce rather than buns and opts for alcohol-free versions of his Hawkstone beer. Underpinning much of that change has been a microdose of the GLP-1 medication Mounjaro, which Clarkson credits with helping him lose more than three stone in six months by suppressing his appetite – although he admits he doesn’t particularly enjoy the experience.
‘When you are on Muntjac [his name for Mounjaro] you can come down in the morning and idly help yourself to a small handful of sunflower seeds,’ Clarkson said. ‘And it’ll feel like you’ve just finished a massive Christmas lunch. You’re stuffed.
‘So you find yourself living a minibar existence. Tiny packets of milk, sachets with only three grains of sugar in them, vodka in thimbles. That’s not living, though. That’s existing.’
If there’s one thing Kori Sampson knows, it’s how to optimise your body composition for performance. To tap into his knowledge as an elite athlete and coach, we asked him to create a 4-week plan to help you move faster, recover quicker and keep pushing when the fatigue sets in – all while improving your muscle-to-fat ratio.
Ready to build muscle, burn fat and come out the other side looking, feeling and performing better? Click here to get 14 days of free access to the plan via the Men’s Health app.
Ryan is a Senior Writer at Men’s Health UK with a passion for storytelling, health and fitness. Having graduated from Cardiff University in 2020, and later obtaining his NCTJ qualification, Ryan started his career as a Trainee News Writer for sports titles Golf Monthly, Cycling Weekly and Rugby World before progressing to Staff Writer and subsequently Senior Writer with football magazine FourFourTwo.
During his two-and-a-half years there he wrote news stories for the website and features for the magazine, while he also interviewed names such as Les Ferdinand, Ally McCoist, Jamie Redknapp and Antonio Rudiger, among many others. His standout memory, though, came when getting the opportunity to speak to then-Plymouth Argyle manager Steven Schumacher as the club won League One in 2023.
Having grown up a keen footballer and playing for his boyhood side until the age of 16, Ryan got the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland national futsal team eight times, scoring three goals against England, Scotland and Gibraltar. Now past his peak, Ryan prefers to mix weightlifting with running – he achieved a marathon PB of 3:31:49 at Manchester in April 2025, but credits the heat for failing to get below the coveted 3:30 mark…
You can follow Ryan on Instagram or on X
Fitness
Fitness coach debunks 8 ‘crazy’ exercise myths women still believe: From periods and workouts to weightlifting
Despite growing awareness around fitness and women’s health, several outdated exercise myths continue to persist. From misconceptions about strength training to beliefs surrounding periods, pregnancy and weight loss, many women still receive advice that isn’t backed by science. These myths can not only slow progress but also discourage women from prioritising their health and fitness. (Also read: Can eating too much protein be harmful? Experts explain why excess intake may do more harm than good )
Fitness coach Zoe recently addressed some of the most common misconceptions women continue to hear in a June 12 Instagram post titled, “craziest exercise myths women still hear.” Here’s what she had to say:
1. Periods mean complete bed rest
According to Zoe, menstruation does not mean you need to stop exercising altogether. “No. You can train. Just adjust intensity if needed,” she wrote, explaining that while energy levels may fluctuate during different phases of the menstrual cycle, movement and exercise can still be beneficial.
2. After marriage or kids, fitness is not important
Many women are often made to feel that fitness should take a back seat after major life changes such as marriage or motherhood. Zoe strongly disagrees. “That is exactly when it becomes more important,” she said, highlighting the need to maintain strength, mobility and overall health while navigating increased responsibilities.
3. A C-section means your core is gone forever
Recovering from a Caesarean delivery can be challenging, but Zoe says it doesn’t mean women should give up on rebuilding strength. “Wrong. It means you need rebuilding, not giving up,” she wrote, emphasising that gradual rehabilitation and proper training can help restore core function.
4. Walking around the house is enough exercise
While daily movement is important, Zoe points out that it isn’t the same as a structured workout. “No. That is movement, not full training,” she explained, noting that a balanced fitness routine should include strength, mobility and cardiovascular exercises.
5. Sweating more means more fat loss
Many people associate excessive sweating with effective fat burning, but Zoe says that’s a common misunderstanding. “No. It means you are hot,” she wrote. Sweat is the body’s cooling mechanism and does not necessarily reflect the number of calories burned or fat lost.
6. Running will ruin your uterus, boobs or joints
This long-standing myth often discourages women from running or high-impact activities. “No. Poor preparation and weak support is the issue,” Zoe said, stressing the importance of proper training, supportive gear and gradually building endurance.
7. Women should only do yoga, not weights
Strength training is still viewed by some as a male-dominated form of exercise, but Zoe believes women benefit greatly from lifting weights. “Women need strength too,” she wrote, highlighting how resistance training supports muscle mass, bone health, metabolism and overall fitness.
8. Carbs at night make you fat
Carbohydrates often get unfairly blamed for weight gain, especially when eaten in the evening. “No. Overeating does,” Zoe explained, pointing out that overall calorie intake and dietary patterns matter far more than the timing of carbohydrate consumption.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
For Hobart teacher Mary Holton, health means everything.
She started feeling the squeeze from cost-of-living pressures when fuel prices spiked again.
“Going out for just fitness alone was a bit much,”
she said.
Mary Holton says since joining the group, her fitness across the board has improved. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Many Tasmanians are feeling cost-of-living pressures in a very physical way, with locals saying exercise routines are being dropped, health appointments delayed and wellbeing pushed to the bottom of the list as budgets tighten.
Ms Holton relies on multiple physiotherapy sessions each week, but says paid fitness classes simply are not an option.
“That costs … so to actually go to other classes as well, it’s out of my budget really.“
Ollie Mathewson conducts a free workout session. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
National data shows that almost half of Australians already fall short of minimum physical activity guidelines, and rising prices are making even basic care unaffordable for many.
Consultant clinical psychologist academic Kimberley Norris says this is exactly how unhealthy patterns begin.
“We tend to focus on the most stressful thing first … and health is one of those things we don’t think about until things go wrong,”
Professor Norris said.
Kimberley Norris says humans tend to focus on alleviating stress first and foremost, and warns de-prioritising health can become a cycle. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
For Ms Holton, going to a free workout group in her local community was a game-changer.
“Came down and absolutely loved it. It’s really nice to have a group and it just keeps growing,” she said.
Finding a free exercise group has drastically improved her health, as noted by her GP, and she is part of a growing trend.
Free exercise classes become a lifeline
At a community exercise class in South Arm, south-east of Hobart, the mood is upbeat, with laughter, movement, and a sense of relief.
Participation has more than doubled in the past year, with more than 100 Tasmanians now involved.
Trainer Ollie Mathewson said the surge was unmistakable.
“It’s free of charge for everybody … and over the last 12 months I’ve noticed a lot more people starting to come along,”
he said.
Ollie Mathewson says attendance at his classes has almost doubled over the past year. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Across greater Hobart, free and low-cost alternatives are multiplying and include walking groups, community-run circuits, and morning and afternoon fitness meet-ups.
Tasmanians are increasingly organising their own solutions.
Mr Mathewson said connections drive outcomes.
“A lot of people talk about weight and strength, which are obviously insanely important, having other people there to push you single every week makes it a hundred times easier.“
Professor Norris said one’s health can be prioritised for free.
“What we know about health is, it’s more about sustainable wellbeing, it’s about quality of life,” she said.
“So rather than focusing on how much you can deadlift, how far you can run, it’s about how your life has improved and how close your life is to the way you want to live it.”
She said free options were vital because once people stop moving, it becomes harder to start again.
“If we develop routines in which health is not a priority, then we almost get stuck in this cycle of health always being last.“
Health appointments being delayed or dropped
For some Tasmanians, the financial pressure is forcing even tougher choices.
Amy Dakin says she can’t even think about getting a gym membership with all the other costs of living on her mind. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Amy Dakin, who lives with a compromised immune system, often has no choice but to delay essential care.
“My health needs to be prioritised, but your bills come first, really,” she said.
Jordyn Rowbottom says she’s not the only one changing her hobbies to save on costs. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Jordyn Rowbottom has seen the same pattern around her.
“People are being forced to cut what they can access,”
she said.
Professor Norris warns that these short-term decisions can create long-term harm, not just for individuals, but for the broader health system.
She said the combination of financial pressure and reduced physical activity would create a public health challenge.
Trainers adapting to shrinking budgets
Personal trainer Nickola Orr works with clients across different income levels, ages and needs.
She said affordability now shapes almost every program she designs.
“You want to make sure they can get as much help as they can within their price range,”
she said.
Nickola Orr is concerned about access to fitness and health services in the face of rising cost pressures. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
With the median individual spend on fitness in Tasmania sitting at almost $600 last year, Ms Orr said the warning signs were already visible.
“We’re going to see more results of long-term neglect; higher injuries, more need for mental health assistance. It’s going to snowball.”
Her concerns echo Professor Norris’s academic findings that once healthy routines break down, the consequences ripple for years.
“The changes are very small … while they add up over time, there is no immediate impact,”
Ms Orr said.
Calls for more free and low-cost options
Mr Mathewson hopes the success of free community classes will inspire governments and private operators to expand accessible fitness programs.
“More free options would be a great thing. There are a few now, but there should be more,” he said.
The Tasmanian government has said it will release its 20-year preventive health strategy this month, titled The Health Revolution.
A Department of Health spokesperson said the strategy “will address the broader social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health and wellbeing”.
“Specific issues about access to health services and programs are being considered through the Access to Health Services project, a Commonwealth-State partnership.
“The Health Revolution will complement that project by addressing the root causes of poor health and the underlying conditions to make it easier for Tasmanians to live well.“
-
Washington, D.C8 minutes agoWashington archbishop removes priest as exorcist after comments on UFOs and demons
-
Cleveland, OH11 minutes agoMale dead after running from crash scene and shooting another in Cleveland’s Slavic Village neighborhood, police say
-
Austin, TX16 minutes agoAustin, TX venue Emo’s on the move again, AEG to take over the building
-
Alabama23 minutes agoAlabama Baseball Host St Johns For A Trip To The World Series
-
Alaska26 minutes agoFirst Alaska mule deer harvest follows years of fleeting appearances in the state
-
Arizona31 minutes agoArizona’s dry heat may be deadlier than we thought
-
Arkansas38 minutes agoTexas bee swarm hospitalizes 3; Arkansas doctors explain warning signs of severe reactions
-
California41 minutes agoCalifornia man charged with bringing explosives to Sacramento airport after repeatedly calling FBI tip line | CNN
