A comprehensive guide to PE classes for first-years
Building your schedule is hard enough without trying to fit in a 1-credit PE requirement. So, make sure you choose the class that is right for you.
Photography by Ming Yuan/The Barnard Bulletin
By Mia Cariati
March 8, 2025
All students must complete one semester of physical education or dance before they graduate, which they should preferably complete during their first year. When course registration comes around, many students are likely to find themselves fighting with hundreds of other students to find a spot in a coveted PE course.
Luckily, Barnard offers a wide variety of fitness classes. There is something available for everyone, even if you don’t make it into the Pilates class you wanted.
Yoga
Barnard has an extensive Yoga program, which, as of this spring, consists of three different classes: Beginning Yoga, Yoga/Meditation, and Yoga Practice. All three classes cover beginner-level Hatha yoga, which focuses on bringing harmony between the mind and the body through physical posture, mindfulness, and breathing techniques. However, each class has some key differences.
Kathleen Yang (BC ‘28) took Beginning Yoga this past fall, and found it to be an overall great addition to her schedule: “I never had the patience to meditate or even do yoga. Through the class, I pushed my limits and became a more patient person who’s in tune with my body.”
Yoga Practice is the only class that meets in person once a week instead of twice, with the addition of one required at-home yoga section each week. This class is perfect for someone with a very busy schedule.
Yoga/Meditation, which similarly covers beginner Hatha yoga, includes a focus on developing techniques for relaxation and meditation, and meets the standard two times a week. It is important to note that at-home meditation is required for this class in addition to the regular meeting times. This class is great for students who are looking to prioritize mindfulness and relaxation in their everyday lives.
Tai Chi
Similar to the yoga courses, Tai Chi brings the mental and the physical together by covering moving meditation and health maintenance through exercise. This class is a bit different than some of the others offered because it also provides the student with a brief overview of the history of the practice. Students will leave the class with an understanding of the philosophical and historical pillars of the practice, so if you want a history lesson in addition to a workout, this class could be right for you.
Pilates
Pilates is one of the most popular and sought-after PE classes at Barnard, and for good reason. As someone who is currently enrolled in Selma Trevino’s Pilates course, I find that it is a relaxing class. Taking some time for mindful movement has been very helpful for my mental health, especially since college can often cause stress. I have also felt an improvement in my overall flexibility and stability. If any of that interests you, Pilates may be the right class for you.
Just be warned: if you make it into the course, chances are it will be crowded, as the sections tend to fill up to maximum capacity.
Strength Training
Strength Training is a great option if you are looking to start going to the gym but are unsure where to start. This course takes place in the new LeFrak Fitness Center, meaning enrolled students have access to new, state-of-the-art equipment. In addition to providing instruction on using free weights and resistance machines, the class also focuses on how to use the cardio machines. The course is meant to provide personalized feedback, that way you can get closer to your individual fitness goals.
Body Sculpting
Similarly to Strength Training, Body Sculpting can be a great option if you want to build muscle with simpler equipment, like resistance bands and body bars. This class has a bit more variety than Strength Training, as it also includes instruction on stretching techniques and improving endurance.
Health Coaching
Health Coaching is by far the most unique PE class, as it does not focus on group workouts like many other classes. This course is great for students with specific fitness goals who would like personal instructions on how to reach them. The course consists of short group lectures, discussions, and individual coaching sections on how to set fitness goals instead of the traditional group workouts.
Dance
Whether you are a seasoned dancer or looking to experiment, one of Barnard’s many dance classes could be a great way to fulfill your PE requirement. Prisca Agbeyibor (BC ‘28) took ballet in the fall semester and loved it, saying, “I felt like it was a great alternative to PE since the spaces are limited and it allowed me to continue ballet after I dropped it because of time constraints in high school.”
Furthermore, Barnard has an amazing dance community. Barnard’s dance program is well-regarded for its interdisciplinary approach to dance education and accomplished faculty, which includes Broadway performers, award-winning choreographers, and former-members of famed dance troupes. The only thing to keep in mind with dance classes is that many use a letter grade system, whereas other PE classes are Pass/Fail.
Barnard offers a plethora of PE courses, so choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Luckily, all of the classes provide different approaches to fitness and wellness, meaning there is an option for everyone.