Fitness classes
Fall 2025 registration opens Friday, August 29. Fitness classes start the week of September 22.
Sure, the legendary VIU steps and stairs keep you moving, but our friendly fitness classes give you a targeted way to get healthy and feel great!
Our weekly one-hour fitness classes take place on the Nanaimo campus at the VIU Gymnasium (Building 190) and run throughout each semester.
Rates are discounted for VIU students. All skill and fitness levels are welcome. Please read the class descriptions below and follow the links to register.
Rise and Shine Yoga
Mondays at 7 am
Start your day with movement, mindfulness, and good vibes. This morning yoga class is perfect for students, faculty, and staff looking to wake up, stretch out and feel focused before diving into the day. All levels welcome—no experience needed!
Instructor: Andrew Desroschers
Indoor/Outdoor Bootcamp
Mondays at 12 pm
Get moving with our high-energy Boot Camp! Held outdoors on sunny days and indoors when it rains, this full-body workout is designed for all fitness levels and combines strength, cardio and core training to keep you feeling strong and energized. Open to students, staff, and faculty looking for a fun and challenging sweat session—rain or shine!
Instructor: Andrew Desroschers
Butts and Guts
Mondays at 4 pm
An invigorating hour dedicated to sculpting and strengthening your core and glutes. This class focuses solely on toning these key areas and delivering maximum results. Get ready to sweat and feel the burn as you challenge yourself with targeted exercises that will leave you feeling stronger, more toned and ready to conquer any challenge!
Instructor: Veronique Rioux
Mobility and Flexibility
Mondays at 5 pm
This session is dedicated to optimizing your body's range of motion through a curated blend of exercises and stretches. Discover the power of Self Myofascial Release techniques, guided to release tension and unlock your body's potential for improved function. With the aid of foam rollers, tennis balls and yoga straps, you'll explore targeted movements aimed at enhancing flexibility and promoting overall well-being.
Instructor: Veronique Rioux
Rise and Grind
Tuesdays at 7 am
Start your day with a fast-paced HIIT circuit designed to boost energy, build strength, and get your heart pumping. This full-body workout mixes cardio, strength, and core training in quick, effective intervals. Perfect for students, staff, and faculty who want to kick off their morning with movement. All fitness levels welcome—just show up and grind!
Instructor: Andrew Desrochers
Lunchtime Yoga
Tuesdays at 12 pm
This mid-day class offers a mix of gentle movement, stretching, and mindful breathing—perfect for shaking off screen fatigue and boosting afternoon focus. Open to students, staff, and faculty, it’s a great way to refresh your body and mind without leaving campus. All levels welcome!
Instructor: Andrew Desrochers
Flow Yoga
Tuesdays at 4 pm
An energetic and dynamic yoga class that links breath with movement through a continuous flow of postures. This practice builds strength, flexibility, balance, and stamina, with elements of cardio woven in. Set to high-energy music, this class is designed to awaken the body and focus the mind, helping you move fluidly from one pose to the next with purpose and presence.
Instructor: Veronique Rioux
Full Body Toning
Tuesdays at 5 pm
This dynamic class is designed to target all areas of the body, from head to toe, using a variety of resistance-based exercises and functional movements. You'll engage in a series of exercises that challenge your strength, endurance, and flexibility. We emphasize a no-jumping, low-impact approach, making it perfect for beginners and those seeking a gentler workout for their joints. Each session offers a comprehensive workout that leaves no muscle untouched. Whether you're looking to tone up, build lean muscle, or enhance your overall fitness level, Full Body Toning is the perfect choice.
Instructor: Veronique Rioux
H.I.I.T. Bootcamp
Wednesdays at 4 pm
High-Intensity Interval Training (H.I.I.T.) is renowned for its ability to torch calories and sculpt lean muscle, making it the ultimate fat-burning solution. This fun-filled class is dedicated to functional training, designed to enhance your everyday life. Prepare to embark on a journey of total body transformation as we focus on strengthening, agility, cardiovascular endurance, and core stability. Escape the monotony of traditional workouts and invigorate your body and mind with our varied and engaging exercises. All fitness levels are welcome! Some classes might be outside if weather is nice.
Instructor: Veronique Rioux
Yin Yoga
Wednesdays at 5 pm
Explore the profound benefits of Yin Yoga and cultivate a harmonious balance between effort and ease. Through a series of gentle poses held for extended periods, you'll journey into the essence of Yin Yoga, allowing the body to soften, release, and open. Each posture becomes a gateway to inner peace, fostering a meditative state that soothes the mind and melts away stress.
Instructor: Veronique Rioux
Strength Training - Intermediate
Thursdays at 6 pm
Ideal for individuals with an existing base of fitness. Focus on foundational strength movements including bench press, squats, deadlifts, and chin-ups using Olympic bars, kettlebells, and other heavier equipment. Expect a challenging, technique-focused workout that helps you build power, stability, and confidence under load.
*Note: class is beside the weight training room, near the squat cage, on the second floor of the gym.
Instructor: Veronique Rioux
