IKSU!

(oops managed to delete this post so it ended up here!) 

IKSU

What is this?  i’l tell you. It’s brilliant. Can you imagine a state of the art sports centre that has recently been voted second best in the world for group training and is also the largest sports centre in Europe? Can you imagine it runs roughly 50 different classes per day...everything from aqua power, yoga, martial arts, zumba, swimming, boxing not to mention having the facilities for virtual golf, indoor hockey and indoor beach volleyball? It sounds like something I dreamt about...like a fantasy land for fit people!  Well don’t worry.. it exists, it’s called IKSU and it’s right here in Umeå.

Let me give you the run down. 

Aqua power: Best done at around 8am on a day when you have no school. Not only will you feel super productive getting up so early to do aerobics in water.. it’s also a perfect simulation of what life would be like in a retirement home in Florida.

Zumba: This is a kind of latin style dance class. I don’t go for the fitness...it’s more just a fun way to spend an hour. Although...it can be disheartening when you realize how hard it actually is!

Punch out:  This is probably my favourite class. You work in pairs boxing and kickboxing against pads your partner is holding.  It can be a great way to meet people if you go alone. Beware though...sometimes you can get paired with someone much weaker or stronger...which inevitably leads to someone being thrown across the room!

Spinning:  Spinning is a great workout. IKSU host 40,55 & 70 minute classes that are really fun. Try out a few as each instructor has their own favourite genre of music to cycle to. You’ll find the perfect class eventually.

Body Pump:  This is a fantastic class. You choose your own weight level and lift to music. In the beginning your muscles will be crying. It gets better though!

Yoga: I had never properly tried yoga before and I was really impressed at the balance and peace of mind it gave me after every class. Do it regularly and you will definitely notice a difference in your flexibility.They even cover you with a blanket at the end of every class which is really cool.

Body Balance: This class is really great when done early in the morning. It really wakes your body up. It is not as challenging as yoga but does contribute to flexibility.

Aerobic Dance: this class is based on learning a choreographed dance and repeating it at high speed for one hour in sync with 100 other people. It’s cool when you get it right, but really annoying when you can’t keep up!


(This is not a fully comprehensive list.. there are many more classes, I just haven't been to them yet!)

Beach Volleyball: I was amazed when I saw that IKSUhas an indoor beach volleyball court! It’s really fun to come in from -20 snow and ice and then play beach volleyball in the sand! Of course..not everyone comes to play volleyball...

Swimming: There are 2 pools in IKSU. There is a 20m  divided into lanes for all purpose swimming and there is a smaller one called ‘Bottenviken’ which is 5 degrees warmer and is used for aqua classes. It’s quite funny.. Most of the time you are in the pool they either play Andrea Bocelli or pop music. It’s really relaxing and a great place to clear your head. There is even a hammock if you feel like being lazy!

Gym Area: The Gym area is really impressive. There are 3 floors filled with state of the art equipment. I love that most machines have their own personal television and air-conditioning. Some even have recorded motivational videos for when you are working out which definitely help you push further. Don’t be intimidated by the machines. There are instructions on most machines which explain how to use them. With every gym membership you get one free consultation with a personal trainer, so I would recommend asking him/her how to use something to be fully confidant. 

IKSU also organize many outdoor trips throughout the year, some well worth going on. They are quickly signed up for so go for it to avoid being disappointed!There is shop called ‘Sarek’ inIKSU where you can rent any equipment you might need. It’s quite cheap, to rent everything you need for cross country skiing is only 75sek per day which is great value.

Students can avail of discounts on various types of memberships. For more information:   http://www.iksu.se/bli-medlem/priser/olika-medlemskap/?lang=en      Most people I know chose the gold card.

Overall this is a fantastic facility and you are privileged to be able to use it.  Have fun!

Louise J:)