Setting goals and keeping them has always been one of the major struggles for those trying to lead a healthy and fit lifestyle, but the Nike Training Club at DePaul uses face-to-face motivation, as well as technological integration via the NTC app, to track workouts, create new goals, and celebrate fitness successes.
“The NTC app is essentially your own personal trainer on your phone. These workouts can target different areas depending on if you are looking to Get Lean, Strong, or Toned. The app explains each exercise through either a video or a simple tutorial. It talks to you and times the workout for you, which for me, is a huge motivator during the workout,” said Nike Ambassador and NTC DePaul participant, Andrea Kinnerk.
The NTC class at DePaul’s Ray Meyer Fitness Center creates an in-person connection to the digital workout tracker app. “The NTC class is so great at the Ray because Gina (NTC trainer Gina Caifano) transforms your familiar workout from the app to a real in person workout. This can be so beneficial for the girls who need a little more motivation because you have an actual trainer with you pushing you and motivating you,” Kinnerk said.
The NTC class at the Ray focuses on cardio based exercises with the addition of strength exercises for a full body workout, great for the seasoned fitness pro, but newcomers to the group fitness class are also invited. “NTC classes always provide several modifications, so if you’re new to fitness or an expert… you can choose which level and pace you want. ALL fitness levels are welcome,” Caifano said.
One of the great perks of utilizing the NTC app in addition to the in-class workout, is the group support you gain from the NTC community. “Along with the amazing workout is the wonderful community of people who are just as in love with NTC as you are because it is such a positive and exciting atmosphere to be a part of,” said Kinnerk of the Club.
“If you complete workouts on the NTC app you get certain rewards and points to help motivate you to push yourself a little bit farther. If you want to show off how much fuel you earned from live NTC class, all you need is the Nike Fuel Band,” Caifano said.
DePaul’s NTC class is only one location of many NTC classes offered in Chicago, allowing NTC lovers to join the community and take their fitness all over the city. “There are many NTC studios all over the Chicagoland area, where you can get your fit on for free! The main studio is located downtown next to the Nike Chicago Store. We are on a journey to build the biggest and most connected fitness club in North America, culminating in the biggest Chicago sporting event of the year: The Chicago Marathon,” said Caifano.
The NTC class has been a popular one for The Ray, averaging around 25 participants per class, but it will be up to Nike if they bring it back for the Fall term. “The class returning to the Ray Meyer Fitness and Recreation Center will depend on if Nike wants to host it back at our facility in the Fall. We would love to have the classes return but it will be up to Nike in the end,” said Ray Meyer Fitness Center manager Secily Shambaugh. Interested participants should check The Ray’s website for more NTC scheduling updates, but if Nike chooses not to return there are still many other NTC options around the city.