Looking through the windows of the Hamilton Recreational Center can be intimidating. Gym-goers gaze back with undaunted motivation, squatting a perfect 90 degrees or curling 150 pounds in each hand. While at first glance the self-improving realm of the rec center can be intimidating, there is much more to discover than just another set of dumbbells.

This year, the rec staff has 12 fitness classes to choose from, spanning broad genres of workout styles from yoga to hard-core abdominal routines to self-defense tactics.

“All of the classes seem to be filling up as the word gets out more,” Assistant Director of Student Recreation Lynn Wilson said. “Classes are funded by student fees, so it makes sense for students to take advantage of [the classes].”

Besides displaying broad genres of workout styles, the classes also spread across a large spectrum of workout intensity. “Hard-Core” is available on Monday and Wednesday from 6:30-7 p.m. and promises a different way to strengthen the core and build muscles.

However, for those seeking a less intense calorie-burner, cycling, yoga or Zumba may be a more appealing route to fitness. Yoga has been one of the most popular classes at CMU so far. The staff offers both regular and flow yoga for those seeking more of a cardio routine.

CMU student Allison Scott has taken yoga in the past and is returning to the gym to give flow yoga a try.

“Flow yoga is really nice because it’s faster than regular yoga and less boring,” Scott said. “You don’t have to stay in the same pose for too long, you just keep moving.”

Although cycling and yoga are familiar terms, Zumba is a relatively new workout, and like yoga, has many varieties. The rec center staff defines Zumba as the “fusion of hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves creating a one-of-a-kind fitness program that will blow you away.” Zumba can be taken Monday and Wednesday from either 5:30-6:20 p.m. or 7-7:50 p.m.

Not into Latin dancing? That’s ok, because Kylie Kegans, Manager of Wellness and Fitness, has more than a few alternatives. Kegans’ main priority is getting students into the gym, and this has forced her to get creative, designing many competitive and non-competitive events for students to enjoy.

“Some of the outside projects that I’m working on are these new extreme bikes that we got in June,” Kegans said. “I’m trying to put together some kind of race night that will be ongoing.”

The extreme bikes are simulated mountain bikes, providing the user with a trail to ride on and varied ascents and descents along the way.

Kegans is also planning a walking challenge for early next year with a prize for the winner.

“We’re just trying to focus on student engagement,” Kegans said. “Massages for students, extreme bike night for students, the walking challenge where last year the prize was an iPad.”