Submitted Photo Emma Loyd teaches a spin class at the Minot State University Wellness Center Tuesdays and Saturdays.

With everything from weights to intramurals to the rock wall, the Minot State University Wellness Center has a plethora of options for exercise and wellness needs. One of those options also includes its Group X exercise classes.

“All our Group X instructors are students, besides one, and all do it because they love it, “ said junior Emma Loyd.

Group X student instructors are able to instruct classes they are interested in while working toward a certification.

“I have been taking Group X classes all three years of going here but have only started instructing this past year,” Loyd said. “This semester I am teaching two 50-minute-long spin classes, Tuesdays 3 p.m. and Saturdays 11:15 a.m.”

Loyd was also scheduled to be spin certified at the Wellness Center this past Saturday.

Not only are the students working toward getting certified in their prospective classes, they also get paid per class taught.

“As a student I get paid $12 a class, and it is not a requirement for a class or anything like that. I just love spin and love teaching it. After I finish school, I will definitely try and find somewhere to teach,” Loyd said.

Group X classes are beneficial not just for the student instructors but for all of the students who attend each class.

“Group exercise classes can lead to increased motivation and work output,” said Sydney Yale, Wellness and Fitness coordinator. “Individuals who attend group exercise classes can feel a sense of community.”

For many people, especially young people newly getting into fitness, exercising can be intimidating. With the option of taking group classes, students can learn how to do exercises correctly in an encouraging and friendly setting.

“Group led classes can aid in proper form, which helps prevent injuries,” Yale said. “Group classes can also help hold individuals accountable to follow through with attending class because they likely have a friend attending.”

The Group X instructors and students love the classes, and the staff at the wellness center continually find ways to make group exercise more fun and engaging. This includes offering themed yoga classes, partnering with local small businesses, offering ski trips and more — all of which is done with the dedication of the class instructors.

“All our Group X instructors at the Wellness Center have a passion for the class they instruct,” Loyd said, “which is what makes it so fun because you feel the energy through them.”