Fitness Programs

Whether you have a specific fitness goal to reach, want to have fun working out with friends, or just need to blow off some steam, we’re here to help! Click on a tab below for more information about the service or program that interests you. Please contact Jessica Buford at Jessica.buford@hsutx.edu with questions regarding fitness programs.

Who can Participate in group fitness classes?

Any current HSU student, alumni, faculty or staff member, or spouse can participate in group fitness classes. Each class is led by a certified group fitness instructor.

Group fitness is a great option for participants who want to make group fitness their main source of physical activity. This convenient and affordable option also allows participants to supplement their main fitness activities. All levels of experience are welcome, and our instructors can modify exercises based on your specific needs!

How do I sign up?

A group fitness pass (additional membership) is required to attend all classes. You can purchase this pass at the front desk of the Fletcher Fitness Center.

  • Faculty, Staff and Alumni: $35 for unlimited classes (1 semester)
  • Students: $20 for unlimited classes (1 semester)
  • Drop-In Classes: $3 per class

What are the Group Exercise Policies?

  • All participants must have an HSU UREC membership (Faculty, Staff, Student, Alumni, and Spouse) to participate in a group exercise class.
  • Members must always check-in at the front desk of the fitness center before attending the class. When members check-in at the front desk, they will receive a colored card. This card must be given to the instructor when entering the class.
  • Members will be asked to fill out a PAR-Q prior to attending their first class.
  • Fitness classes are available on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Once the class reaches maximum capacity, members will not be allowed to attend.
  • If you are more than 5 minutes late to any fitness class, it is up to the instructor to allow members to participate. It is highly encouraged that you show up 10 minutes before class starts.
  • All group exercise classes are subject to cancellation for University Holidays, emergencies, and weather restrictions. An email will be sent to all group exercise participants on cancellations.

Bootcamp
Bootcamp class is designed to develop both strength and endurance through high intensity interval and circuit training. This class focuses on building strength and endurance in a fun and engaging setting while using equipment such as sandbags, kettlebells, and dumbbells to help participants obtain optimal performance.

Life Strong
Life Strong is a class designed for both men and women to teach proper form and technique for strength training and functional fitness, while creating a positive environment for all participants. The goal of the class is to use progressions to safely build strength for people of all training stages to create lifelong habits of exercise.

Women’s Strength
This class is designed to create a safe space for all women to learn proper weight-lifting techniques and form. Participants will have the opportunity to use weight machines, free weights, resistance bands, and other modalities to build strength, physically and mentally. Our goal is to encourage women of all ages to be active and feel confident in exercise.

BURN
Burn is a high intensity workout focused on both building strength and improving cardiovascular health. We will incorporate HIIT, cardio, and functional training in a variety of exercises and formats such as circuit and interval training. Participants will get a full body workout that will test your limits and leave you feeling accomplished.

Flow Yoga
When stress, worries, or anxiety seem to roar, this class is an invitation to “be still and know” (Psalm 46:10). Together, we will practice vinyasa yoga — a dynamic and energizing form of yoga that synchronizes movement with breath. Each class will increase flexibility, build strength, relieve stress, and encourage lightheartedness. Come as you are — all levels are welcome and previous yoga experience is not necessary.

Barre
Barre combines attributes of Pilates, dance, and functional fitness training. We incorporate small, isolated movements to fatigue the muscles, large range motions to elevate the heart rate, and sequencing that incorporates upper and lower body to make every minute count. This results in a total body workout that leaves you mentally strong and feeling accomplished.

Sunrise Strides
Sunrise Strides is a new feature this semester, offering individuals of all athletic abilities the opportunity to get moving with colleagues, classmates, peers, and HSU alumni. This class is focused on encouraging movement in a simple format. Offered once a week, Sunrise Strides focuses on incorporating walking, jogging, or running into your morning routine. Each session will feature the option to walk, jog, or run, making it accessible and enjoyable for all who participate.

*Side note: This is a great opportunity to start working on your stamina and endurance for the Turkey Day 5K!

Why should I work with a personal trainer?

  • To create a safe, effective, personalized exercise program for me.
  • To help me correct bad habits that may be inhibiting my success.
  • To help me build strength, improve definition, and perfect movement patterns.
  • To help me develop an overall healthier lifestyle.
  • To keep me motivated and educated.

What are my options for personal training?

Individual Training Sessions: The traditional approach to personal training- one-on-one sessions with just you and your personal trainer. This option guarantees that you will have your trainer’s undivided attention, and your personal fitness program will be designed with your specific goals and needs in mind.

Group/Buddy Training Sessions: Grab a friend and one of our personal trainers to begin achieving your health and fitness goals together. For maximum effectiveness, we recommend you have partners that have similar fitness goals and be of similar fitness levels. Participants must register and exercise together. Prices are listed per person.

General Policies

    • All sessions are 1 hour in length unless otherwise specified.
    • Personal training sessions are non-refundable, non-transferable, and expire 6 months from the date of purchase.
    • Guests are asked to cancel at least 24hrs in advance of the schedules training session. Failure to contact your trainer can result in forfeiture of a session.
    • Sessions that begin late due to the client not being on time will end one hour from the schedules start time.
    • To schedule your free initial consultation and get started on your personal training journey, email Jessica Buford at Jessica.buford@hsutx.edu

Student Training Packages

Individual 60 min Individual 45 min Buddy 60 min Group (3-4 participants) 60 min
1 Session $30.00 $22.50 $25.00 $20.00
3 Sessions $85.50 $64.00 $71.00 $57.00
5 Sessions $135.00 $101.25 $112.50 $90.00
10 sessions $265.00 $198.75 $212.50 $170.00
15 sessions $378.00 $283.50 $315.00 $252.00

Fac/Staff/Alumni Training Packages

  Individual 60 min Individual 45 min Buddy 60 min Group (3-4 participants) 60 min
1 Session $40.00 $30.00 $30.00 $25.00
3 Sessions $114.00 $85.50 $85.50 $71.00
5 Sessions $180.00 $135.00 $135.00 $112.00
10 sessions $340.00 $265.00 $265.00 $212.50
15 sessions $504.00 $378.00 $378.00 $315.00

Want all the benefits of personal training for a more affordable cost? Personalized programming is perfect for you!

Work directly with a personal trainer to design a workout program specific to your fitness and wellness goals. With this option, you don’t have to worry about scheduling around your trainer’s availability because you will be completing the program on your own time!

How much does personalized programming cost?

  • 2 weeks: $45
  • 4 weeks: $90
  • 8 weeks: $175
  • 12 weeks: $265
  • 16 weeks: $350

What is included in the price?

  • Weekly check-ins with your trainer.
  • Up to 5 workouts every week.
  • Initial consultation to discuss goals and program ideas.

What is small group training?

Small group training consists of one trainer working with a group of 3 to 8 clients. Keeping the group to an 8-person max allows the personal trainer to build a connection with each individual while also giving proper attention to each participant’s safety, form, and alignment. Small group training is considered a more cost-effective way for people to experience the benefits of working with a fitness professional.

What are the benefits of small group training?

  1. More personal attention. Working out in a small group allows the personal trainer to offer corrections and appropriate modifications and progressions.
  2. Variety. The workouts change and evolve as the group progresses.
  3. Motivation. Having someone exercising right beside you, with the sane goals, often encourages you to keep pushing.
  4. Support. Both the trainer and the other participants are there to help you get through the challenges in front of you. You’re all on the same team!
  5. Fun! Yes, fun! The right exercise program done with friends can definitely be exciting and enjoyable.

All classes are subject to change based on the semester and the demand of the class. To register for a class, please see the front desk of the fitness center.

Please check back for an updated class offering and schedule.

Fitness assessments are a great tool to help you make exercise a part of your daily life. By evaluating your fitness level and health risk, we can establish a personalized exercise program to help you achieve your fitness goals.

*Please note, wellness assessments are complimentary with the purchase of personal training sessions.

Wellness Assessments:

  • Resting heart rate/resting blood pressure: resting heart rate and blood pressure are important indicators to measure as you begin and progress in your fitness routine.
  • Body mass index (BMI): ratio of height and weight,
  • Waist to Hip Ratio: comparison of waist circumference to hip circumference.

Fitness Assessments:

  • Cardiovascular endurance testing
  • Muscular endurance testing
  • Flexibility

**Additional testing may be purchased in collaboration with the Human Performance Lab

Assessments are available for $15 and will take between 30-45 minutes. You will work with a personal trainer to determine which assessments are right for you and your fitness goals. Please make sure to wear athletic-style clothing during assessments.

Caroline Casey

Caroline is a Hardin-Simmons Alumni, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Behavioral Science. When she was a student at HSU, she took her first-ever yoga class, and it sparked a deep passion for yoga and personal fitness. She is a RYT 200 certified yoga instructor, and loves helping people de-stress, slow down, and connect to the good in life through yoga. In addition, Caroline has worked in the fashion industry for over a decade and is currently a personal style coach with clients across the globe. In her free time, she loves traveling, spending time outdoors, and being with her friends and family.

Madi Varnell

Madi is working toward her Bachelor’s in Fitness, Recreation, and Sports Management with aspirations to serve in children’s recreation. She is a certified ACE Group Fitness Instructor and has experience coaching Barbell, Women’s Strength, and Bootcamp. Madi loves the relationships that she builds as well as watching people grow and challenge themselves. She also views group fitness as a ministry opportunity and platform to share the love of Christ. Madi is involved in various areas around campus including serving as a resident assistant, stampede wrangler, and Human Performance Lab assistant.

Jessica Buford

Jessica graduated from HSU in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Sciences and is currently working on her Master of Science in Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation with plans to graduate in May. This past June, she became the Assistant Director of University Recreation at HSU. She is dual certified as an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor. Jessica has been teaching group fitness classes for nearly four years and has experience coaching Bootcamp, Women’s Strength, and Orange Theory classes. She enjoys motivating her class participants to pursue a healthy lifestyle through creative group fitness workouts and an environment that is beneficial and welcoming for individuals with any level of experience.

Abby Cox

Abby is a junior here at HSU majoring in Fitness, Recreation, and Sports management with a minor in marketing. With my degree I hope to eventually work in sports marketing for college athletics departments. I am an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor and will be teaching Barre, Burn, and Sunrise Strides this fall. My favorite part of group fitness is building relationships with participants and seeing them reach their goals.  On campus I am also involved in the Student Government Association as the Student Body Executive Admin, run for the cross country and track teams, and work as a building supervisor at Fletcher Fitness Center and lifeguard at the Brand Swimming Pool.

Acacia Andersen

Acacia is currently a junior at HSU pursuing her bachelor’s degree in biology. After graduation, she plans to attain her Doctorate in Physical Therapy and continue to pursue the Lord wherever He may call her. As an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Acacia enjoys helping individuals accomplish their wellness goals! She is involved in the Parkinson’s Disease Exercise Program, the Mountain Biking team, and is a Physical Therapy Technician. Acacia is excited to support, encourage, and assist anyone and everyone in achieving their fitness goals!

Ava Dennis

Ava is a junior pursuing a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science-Pre-Physical Therapy at HSU. After College, she plans to obtain her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. This is Ava’s second year as an ACE Certified Personal Trainer at the Fletcher Fitness Center. Ava is involved with the HSU Softball Team and is currently a volunteer with the Parkinson’s Disease Exercise Program. She is also an advocate for the Boomer Esiason Foundation to promote exercise in the cystic fibrosis community. Ava has a deep love for health and exercise and hopes to build connections while helping others reach their goals.