Social hour or spin class: HPU’s new and improved Wheelhouse

Allison Ressler vividly remembers walking into the Slane Student Center her freshman year, deciding to try a Spin class because she was looking to make some new friends.

 

“I’ll give it a shot; what’s the worst that could happen,” wondered Ressler as she entered the studio.

 

All it took was a chance, and look where that has taken her today. Ressler, a current sophomore at High Point University, is now a Les Mills instructor at the university’s fitness center. Les Mills is a global fitness movement that specializes in group exercise, equipment production, and health advice.

 

In January of 2024, High Point University announced its grand opening of the Wheelhouse, which is a new, state-of-the-art Spin room, located in Panther Commons. From the flashing lights to the stationary exercise bicycles to the upbeat music, the Wheelhouse has become a hit on campus.

 

Ressler received her instructor certification from a complimentary two-day course offered by the school. She completed the training program in November of 2023 alongside five other HPU students who were interested in leading their own workout classes. The exercise opportunities on campus are led by the HPU recreation department.

 

Prior to the Wheelhouse’s opening, Spin classes were held at the Slane Student Center. Although the room did not provide much, students were more than happy to attend classes there, whether that was to socialize or exercise.

 

HPU junior Mia Gazzara can attest to this, as she has been a frequent spin class participant for the last three years. For her, it began as a way to stay active during the school year, but it later flourished into something different, something special.

 

“I love the atmosphere of the Wheelhouse. I go every week with my friends for a change of scenery,” said Gazzara.

 

Gazzara attends weekly Spin classes with her two friends, Kaylee Houy and Catherine Marshall. She said their favorite class to go to is called “Rhythm Ride,” and it is hosted by Elizabeth Ring every Monday afternoon.

 

While she may have a preference in classes, Gazzara does not exclusively attend “Rhythm Ride.” She said she likes trying new classes but always finds herself in the same Monday session despite her attempts to branch out. Gazzara loves this class because of its intensity level and weekly participants.

 

Gazzara and her friends met two years ago at a group exercise class and have been going together ever since. It was their love of spin and socialization that brought them together. Their bond was solidified in the studio.

 

To say that Spin sessions are merely an exercise class would be an understatement. The culture of these classes is so much more than that. It is a place for people to gather, to talk, to move, to make friends.

 

Ressler shared that this is a common occurrence at the Wheelhouse. She said most girls attend classes in groups of two or three. She noticed that very few girls show up alone without meeting up with a friend at the studio.

 

In sharing this, it is clear to see that these classes mean a lot to the student body in terms of fraternizing. The Wheelhouse has become a center for fostering friendships, across campus and across all grade levels.

 

Looking into the future, Ressler said she hopes others can “continue to create and maintain relationships in the studio.”

 

Ressler followed this up by saying, “It makes me remember why I started doing this in the first place.”