Group X Classes to be Offered for Free to CMU Students

Carnegie Mellon University students will have an extra reason to smile on their first day of classes this academic year. Effective August 29, Group X-ercise classes at the university will be free to all undergraduate and graduate students.

Endorsed by the Task Force on the CMU Experience, the Group X initiative will provide opportunities for all students to participate in pilates, yoga, cycling, Zumba and many more offerings. The athletics department has expanded its Group X schedule this year as a result of the newly-opened fitness facility in the Cohon Center.

“It is an exciting time to be at Carnegie Mellon with new investments being made in facilities and programs that support an enhanced CMU Experience,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Gina Casalegno. “I have been inspired to see the university’s commitment to holistic health and well-being come to life in our physical infrastructure through projects like the Cohon Center expansion and planned investments in the Tepper Quad and other building renovations. As we open the year with the impressive addition to the Cohon Center, I am thrilled the university is furthering the impact of our programs through the free Group X initiative for students.”

Last winter, the Athletics Department sponsored “Fitness February,” which made Group X classes free to all undergraduate and graduate students for the entire month. In addition, a partnership between Athletics, Housing Services and Student Life provided all residential students the opportunity to take free Group X classes for the entire spring semester.

“We had great success with our initiatives last year, and I couldn’t be more excited that we are able to take this important step for our student community,” said Director of Athletics Josh Centor. “Our ambition is to make our programs as accessible as possible, so that our students have greater opportunity to be active, healthy and well as part of their educational experience.”

Students will be able to take any Group X class offered by the Athletics Department. In order to take a class, students should arrive at the designated exercise studio a few minutes prior to class, and present their Carnegie Mellon ID card to the instructor.

The Task Force on the CMU Experience was established in Spring 2016 and is chaired by Provost Farnam Jahanian. The group is charged with closely examining the Carnegie Mellon University experience, and with developing near-term and long-term recommendations to enhance that experience and ensure student success.

If you have questions regarding Carnegie Mellon’s Group X program, please contact Associate Director of Athletics Sara Gauntner.