The Quadrangle

Issue date: 2/23/05 Section: Features

Flyers around campus have announced the return of kickboxing to Manhattan College. This high-energy cardiovascular workout not only gets you into shape, but it also teaches you how to defend yourself.

The word has spread around campus about this fun work out session led by junior exercise science major, Katy Whyte.

The class, which Katy started her freshman year, has become increasingly popular as the years progressed, especially among the young women on campus. Whyte said, "When I got here I asked Mr. McIntee if I could teach a kickboxing class. He thought it was a great idea, and I started right away. At first not many people showed up, but as the semester continued, more people started to come and we had to change the location of the class to the Alumni gym."

Whyte who took a year off from college to teach classes at a local gym in her home town of Albany, was certified to be a kickboxing instructor by AFAA.

After her year off she decided she wanted to go to a college that offered exercise science and she landed on Mahattan. After seeing that Manhattan did not have any group exercise classes and talking with Mr. McIntee, she was glad that she could offer her talents and teach other Jaspers fun exercising routines.

Whyte who has a strong background in dance said that she intially got into kickboxing because it has a strong correlation to dance. She continued to say, " it's a good outlet for me. I get to jump around and be loud at the same time. Plus, I just have a keen interest in exercise physiolgy, especially cardiovascular endurance, running, and of course kickboxing."

Whyte's enthusiasum for the class is shown everytime she instructs. She is continuously encouraging her fellow Jaspers to push themselves harder and have fun at the same time. She chooses fast paced and energetic music that makes the participants want to move faster. While many students are intitally attracted to the class because friends encourage them to go, and because it is an extremly fun way to shed some pounds, it is Whyte's energy and friendly personality that keeps them coming back.

According to Whyte, "there's anywhere between 35 to 55 people at each class." While this number varies from week to week, some girls such as senior Nicole Pollio are there every week working out with Whyte. Pollio commented on Whyte saying, "I think she's awsome. She never loses energy, which is perfect for kickboxing."

Along with the kickboxing class, Whyte also teaches pilates. While she likes teaching pilates also, her ambience is much more relaxed. She said, "I like teaching kickboxing better, because it's a higher energy class." Along with teaching these classes she has just been appointed Fitness Chair for the Student Life Committee, and she is also a trainer for the Jasper Fit program on campus.

Although she has a lot on her plate here at Manhattan, Whyte loves teaching the kickboxing class. She said, "I really enjoy the girls that I have met through it, and the response it has received since I started it. It's very inspiring and cool to see it blossom like it has."

If you want a calm but intense workout, Pilates is held on Wednesdays at 4:30 in the Alumni Hall gym, but if your looking for a high energy workout with an instructor who really knows and loves what she is doing, kickboxing is held on Monday and Wednesday nights at 9:15 in the small gym on the second floor of Alumni Hall. Because of Whyte's enthusiasm kickboxing has become an event that many people are interested in attending, and spaces fill up fast. So go early and be prepared to work out hard.

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