Penn State’s new and improved “FitWell” department, housed in the IM Building, will introduce a number of updates and innovations beginning this semester to focus on overall student wellness instead of just fitness. The IM Building is now home to just-opened workout rooms and a variety of new equipment, as well as new fitness classes, special topics workshops, and the option to reserve a spot in fitness classes in advance.

One of the biggest changes is the new ‘Book It’ feature, which allows you to reserve your spot up to 48 hours in advance for some of FitWell’s most popular classes, like Cycling, Barre Fitness, and Power Remix. You’re not required to book the class in advance to attend, but it guarantees a spot for class regulars and lets others know when a class is already full so they don’t waste time trying to get there. ‘Book It’ will be available following the first week of classes.

Advanced booking will also be available for a new class called Total Training. IM’s brand new workout will take place in an expansive studio filled with the most updated equipment. Class participants will take part in several stations of group circuit training, including tire flipping and box jump exercises, for an intense full-body workout. Total Training classes are held in White Building as well, but the equipment is not as recently updated.

The yoga studio now has an official home, as well. The new facility will feature heated or cooled towels, yoga-appropriate dimmable lighting, and can even be heated up for a version of hot yoga called “warm yoga.” During a “warm yoga” class, the room heats up slowly over the hour-long class, leaving attendees feeling relaxed and cozy. Although rumors of a “napping class” aren’t quite what they seem, there is a new class focusing on relaxation and mediation for better sleep quality and personal tranquility.

An additional turf training space is also now open in IM near the rock wall, so former student athletes can switch up their workout environment to one they’re accustomed to. A new class this semester on the turf field is Pro Conditioning, a six-week Premium Fitness class with limited enrollment that you can take for a small fee.

Premium Fitness will also be offered this semester for TRX Training and Hip Hop, small group training, and personal training. The six-week courses run in two sessions: January 22-March 2 and March 12-April 23.

Special one-off classes are being designed based on student suggested topics. These will include 90-minute cycling rides, aromatherapy yoga, women’s weight lifting, indo-board training, boga boards (think yoga but on water), relaxation and meditation for sleep, and even a couch-to-5K class. Themed classes will be offered as well, like a THON music-themed Power Remix class in mid-February.

You can find more information and more detailed fitness class schedules on the FitWell website.