Retrobics combine dance, music for fun workout

Vanessa’s Thoughts:

Retrobics was awesome. The instructor had an unbelievable amount of energy … and there were so many people! Our instructor had to open up the curtain and kick the guys off the basketball court next to us so we could spread out. We learned moves, and then we put those together to do combos. It was great – we danced. It was like I was tricked into working out because it was so fun.

Jenny’s Thoughts:

I attended the RSC class Retrobics, or "retro aerobics," numerous times last semester because I enjoy dance aerobics and especially those set to upbeat music. At the RSC, Retrobics and Hi/Lo classes have essentially the same format. Beginning with a brief muscular warm up, most of the class is spent learning several "combos," or combinations of certain motions in a dance—like format. Finally, it ends with an abdominal workout and cool—down.

I often supplement aerobics classes like Retrobics with use of the weight machines in the RSC’s basement. As a cardiovascular workout, though, Retrobics is second to none. It is physically demanding as you dance around the floor at fast tempos and mentally demanding as you try to remember which move comes next. First—time exercisers might feel frustrated by the complicated combos, but after a couple of classes, you’ll get a feel for its format.

One complaint I had about Retrobics, as with Step, is that the instructor often didn’t explain the combos in near enough detail in order to avoid confusion for beginners. Also, due to the strenuous nature of the class, I often found myself thirsty, but I didn’t want to step out of line to get a drink of water because I might miss learning a vital part of a combo. If the class would have had two water breaks instead of one, it would have been nearly perfect.

Elizabeth’s Thoughts:

Being the ‘80s child that I am, I loved Retrobics! I was pumped to dance to music by Michael Jackson and the Grease soundtrack. When I got there, I found it to be fun but challenging. We learned different dance steps like the Charleston and the Grapevine. Then the fun part came. We perfected moves that Charlie's Angels and John Travolta have done, and by the end of the class, I was a pro at the Grease Lightning dance.

Besides dancing, we did some basic aerobic moves. However, this being my first aerobics class ever, it was the most difficult part of the class for me. I have decided that I am not really an aerobics kind of girl. The workout itself was a mix of high and low impact stuff, so basically some of it was hard and some was easy. We checked our heart rate, and ran a lap here and there to cool off during the workout. I didn’t stop moving the entire time I was there, but the music made it fun, so I give it four stars!

Tom’s Thoughts:

The name "Retrobics", I'm told, stems from an amusing contraction of "Retro" and "Aerobics", implying that the class will contain a sort of retro theme to go along with its workout.

The "Retro" portion of the class was rather disappointing, bringing back the atmosphere of yesteryear through crude re—mixes of music. The "Aerobics" part, however, was the most fulfilling of the classes I experienced, offering simple combos and a loose, excited demeanor.

The more basic combos and exercises ensured no one hyper—extended any joints while trying to keep up with the up—tempo blend of the top hits of the ‘70s and ‘80s.

The abdominal workout was a killer, though. I could barely stand up afterward, but even then, walking upright was a challenge.

Laura’s Thoughts:

Retrobics was a really fun class to go to and one I would definitely attend again. The moves were not very hard and they were explained really well. The instructor had a lot of enthusiasm, which was nice. We started out by stretching and working our muscles, specifically our legs. Then we went right into exercising.

The intensity of the class increased as it progressed, but it never got to a point that felt too hard. Yet, for those who wanted more of a challenge, there were many moves that had different low intensity or high intensity options.

There were various combinations of moves and as we mastered one, we added something new. The focus of the class seemed to be cardiovascular movements, as well as those that focused on our upper legs. We did some jumping jacks, different types of moving lunges and also various walking, jogging and jumping moves. The class ended with abdominal work (mainly crunches) and a cool down (stretching). I felt that I really got a good workout from Retrobics while also having a good time. I think it is very friendly for newcomers and that anyone, regardless of their exercise background, can benefit from it.

RSC offers workouts for students in need

Boot Camp requires stamina

Jump & Jab proves hard, refreshing

Workout provides proper first Step

Retrobics combine dance, music for fun workout

Food in Middle East varies by area