Tyler Fontenot scans his notepad and then writes several exercises to teach in his afternoon class.

The junior business management major is an instructor of several classes at ULM’s Activity Center. This semester is his second one teaching classes including the newest one.

The center unveiled a new class called “Butts and Back.” Fontenot is the instructor for the 55-minute class offered on Wednesdays at 4:25. The class focuses on strengthening, firming muscles and toning muscles.

Mary Cox, a junior nursing student, said she was encouraged by her friend to take the “Butts and Back” class. Cox said students should take such classes to experience meeting people outside their majors.

“Come on, make some new friends and just know that you’re not alone in seeking fitness,” Cox said.

Though people might worry about others looking at them during the classes and thinking they have poor form, Fontenot said the only people watching are the instructors.
“It’s usually in a very low stress environment. We try to establish it where it’s fun and interactive,” Fontenot said.

In addition to the new “Butts and Back” class, the center also offers a “Hip-Hop” class from last semester focusing on dance routines. This semester’s class “Cardio Pump” is a variation of the previous “Cardio Circuit” class and uses full-body exercises designed in a low-impact but fast-paced period to “build up a sweat and get a cardio workout.”

Fontenot recommended students try out classes to learn new exercises.

“They can take the stuff they learn in here and build it up on their own fitness goals outside the aerobics room,” Fontenot said.