The glow spin exercise class makes participants do more than just exercise; it makes them feel good about themselves, said Haylee Holt, glow spin instructor and junior digital media production major.  

The glow spin class is a new Group X class offered at Kent State’s Student Wellness and Recreation Center that started in Fall 2018.

Group X classes are “instructor-lead group workouts designed to help participants reach their fitness goals,” according to the recreational services website.

The glow spin class is different from other cycling classes because it combines exercise with mental health practices, such as meditation and motivational speaking, Holt said.

“The glow spin class is a stationary riding for a bike within a positive, empowering and inspiring atmosphere,” Holt said.

Glow spinning isn’t just about the physical activity; it’s also about improving the mental health of students and promoting body positivity.

“I want every single person in there to know that even though we’re all at different levels, we are all capable of doing this workout,” Holt said. “Working out is a celebration of what you can do, not a punishment for what you ate or for what you have not done yet. It is a way of life, a way of thinking.”

Holt says she uses her glow spin class to empower students.

“Each and every one of them are more than capable, more than worth it, more than enough and that they have a value that they bring,” Holt said.

Glow spin classes are available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. and Wednesdays from 8:15 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.

Jade Critchfield covers health and fitness. Contact her at [email protected].