The University of St. Thomas offers Vinyasa Yoga, Pop Pilates, Yoga Sculpt, Zumba and Spinning classes in the Anderson Athletic and Rec Center. Unfortunately, if we want to take one of those classes we have to pay $90 a semester, which will earn us the right to take just one class. If we want to take more than one, we have to pay an additional $90 a semester.

In comparison to other universities, St. Catherine University offers free classes from yoga sculpt to Vinyasa yoga to “Dance Jams” with certified instructors. Both Hamline University and Macalester College have a registration fee of $20 per 6 week session.

I think the most ubiquitous question students have when it comes to paying for fitness classes is aren’t we already paying enough through our tuition? This may sound naive, like I don’t know all the nuances of how our tuition money is distributed and this is probably true. However, a lot of this information is unreachable and after further research of St. Thomas’ fitness classes, it doesn’t seem like covering the charge of these classes should be an unreasonable request.

Based off last semester’s class schedule, each of the five classes offered met only twice a week. St. Thomas yoga instructors that I know are paid $25 per class. I think St. Thomas can cover this cost and I think it is in their best interest to do so if they want to promote health and wellness for their students.

It is important for a university to encourage and aid in their student’s physical wellness. Making fitness classes free of additional charges would allow more students to participate and prove that St. Thomas really cares about their student’s health.

Sam Miner can be reached at mine0034@stthomas.edu