As women filed into a yoga studio at Patten Gym one morning this quarter, it became obvious most of them were not, in fact, students.
Employees at the Sports Pavilion and Aquatics Center said over the past year they have noticed the demographic distribution of the “mind/body” classes has shifted away from students, and the classes have in turn become more popular with community members.
Student enrollment in the classes, which require an additional fee of $99 each quarter, might have been adversely impacted by the economy, athletics representatives said.
Northwestern’s Department of Athletics and Recreation offers a variety of classes, including spinning, turbo kick and Pilates, with licensed fitness instructors. While enrollment in the “cardio/strength” classes is included in the standard gym membership, which is free to all full-time students, all participants in “mind/body” classes such as yoga must pay the additional fee.
Overall enrollment in these classes is also down, while the free “cardio/strength” classes have seen increased numbers, said Nancy Tierney, the director of fitness and wellness for the Department of Athletics and Recreation.
“It could definitely be the economy, and we’ve seen somewhat of a shift in classes students are taking so there must be some kind of price break,” Tierney said. “It seems like (students) aren’t necessarily choosing the class format.”
SESP graduate student Fiona Barbour said she grappled with the issue of paying for yoga class this year. Although she is taking yoga this quarter and attends two to three classes per week, she said she may not continue next quarter because of the cost.
“I think it’s important to do exercise I enjoy,” Barbour said. “I really prefer (yoga).”
While Barbour said it was difficult for her to understand why yoga and Pilates require additional payment, Tierney said the instructors cost more for SPAC to keep on staff. The program currently offers about 19 of these classes per week.
SPAC employees have tried different ways to subsidize the budget rather than charging students, Tierney said. Money flows into the program from community members’ enrollment and memberships and help fund programs like the Wildcat Sports Camp held in the summer. The fees from the “mind/body” classes also help offset costs.
To encourage students to pay the extra fees, the program is currently offering a promotion. Those who buy “mind/body” passes for Fall Quarter are eligible to buy one in the winter for half price. Similarly, students who buy a pass good for both Fall and Winter Quarters will receive a free Spring Quarter pass.
“We’re here for you guys,” Tierney said. “Not to make a buck.”
However, the Evanston Athletic Club, whose membership is 40 percent students, does not charge extra for specialty classes.
“(Exercise classes) are one of our strong suits as a club,” said Amy Whalen, EAC general manager. “They really draw people in, and of course with word of mouth, people bring their friends in to take class and they often join the club, too.”
Students such as Barbour said they prefer to stay with SPAC, however, because they believe SPAC will still be cheaper in the long run. EAC charges a monthly fee that usually ranges from $75-150 and is currently running a promotion in which students can register for $45 per month.
