Athletics, Fitness & Outdoor Programs

Classes

Love yoga? Want to take a break and meditate? Taking a class through athletics, fitness, and outdoor programs will give you the answers and also help you graduate.

With around 40 classes per quarter offered by top-notch instructors, you're bound to learn something new, keep boredom at bay, and keep your mind and body in tiptop shape. Find inspiration in the descriptions below. 

See the course catalog for the nuts and bolts of what's required for graduation and what’s being offered each semester.

Archery

Instructor: James Benson

Course offered Tuesday/Thursday 1st and 4th Quarter

Archery is a fascinating sport that teaches calm, relaxed focus under the tension of the bow. Whether you are interested in the meditative aspects, competition, or just as a fun, fresh-air antidote to the rigors of academia, the class will give you the skills for safe, precise shooting. Three beginning classes are offered during the first quarter of first semester, although more advanced students can also take the fall classes and will benefit. One intermediate/advanced class is offered during the fourth quarter in what can be more challenging weather. Having taken archery previously at Reed is a prerequisite for that class. Recurve bows in a variety of draw weights are provided for Reed students during participation in scheduled PE archery classes. Form is far more important than strength. The style of shooting we teach is traditional or barebow -- Robin Hood would recognize the way we shoot. All archery classes are supervised by a certified instructor approved and employed by the college. 

●  NOTE: Archery classes will meet, in the hallway, outside of the Sports Center’s Weight/Fitness Room, before going to the field.  FIELD W is next to the Softball field, on the front lawn.

Equipment usage:

Use of archery equipment outside of class time is limited to students who have taken a minimum of two quarters of archery classes for PE credit. Submission of a proposal to use the PE departments archery equipment is required for review by the archery instructor and Director of Physical Education prior to authorization. Consideration for use of the colleges archery equipment may be allowed only during the summer months while Reed College is not in session.

Any student wishing to practice must be approved by the archery instructor and the Director of Physical Education. A specific equipment form must be filled out which releases the college of liability. The borrower is responsible for damage or loss of any college owned equipment. Written signature is also required. Archery site must be approved by Director of Physical Education. Community Safety must be informed of any archery practice on campus outside of scheduled PE classes.

Quarter 1 (Beginning)

…… Section 1: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2:10-3pm

…… Section 2: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:10-4pm

…… Section 3: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:10-5pm

Quarter 4 (Intermediate/Advanced)

…… Section: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:10-5pm

Backcountry Navigation

Instructor: Rodney Sofich

Have you ever been lost in the back-country, or wondered how to really use that compass that you got for your birthday five years ago? Rest assured, this class helps you learn and practice your map-reading and compass skills. We invest a few afternoon sessions on campus learning the necessary navigation basics for backcountry travel; a couple of days of navigating off-trail in some gorgeous areas close to campus that helps us further solidify these skills. This is an excellent class for those who want to play in the backcountry on their own or lead outdoor trips in the future.

…… Section: Tuesdays, 6:10-8pm  (Quarters 1 & 4)

Ballet

Instructor: Vanessa Thiessen

Ballet ll/lll is a beginning intermediate Ballet class. It will be taught with the understanding that the student has had some ballet instruction prior to this class and has a grasp of the beginning ballet vocabulary.

Note: This class is offered through the dance department, and you can receive both academic and PE credit for taking the class. Please direct any questions to the dance department.

Bike Clinic

Instructor: Michael Clark

Bike Clinic is intended for everyone! Seriously. Lycra-clad speedracer? Dirty cut-offs retrogrouch? Sweet. First, you will have to grin and bear some basic safety instructions and rules of the road, but then we ride. We'll pedal to a local custom frame builder for a facility tour. We'll pedal to a shop to learn about working on our bikes. We'll pedal to a local brewery to learn about how bikes have impacted their business. We'll pedal to farmers markets. We'll get to talk to long-distance touring riders about their experiences. We'll even pedal around just to pedal around. It is certainly intended to be a fluid experience, so plan on bringing your own ideas of what you want to do. Your hands will get dirty from working on your bike, and you'll get a bit sweaty, but you'll love it. If you don't have a bike, we'll find one for you. Too cool to wear a helmet? Don't sign up.  Otherwise, I look forward to riding with you!

Come prepared for the weather, it's a very rare day that we don't ride!

…… Section 1: Tuesdays,  4:40-6:30pm (Quarters 1 & 4)

…… Section 2: Wednesdays,  4:40-6:30pm (Quarters 1 & 4)

Birding Reed

Instructor: Gary Granger

Each class will be a two-hour walkabout on the Reed campus focusing on birds. Classes will be held Wednesdays from 7:00-9:00 a.m.* After a brief meeting indoor meeting to discuss the day’s focus, classes will take place almost exclusively outdoors, “rain or shine.” Students will walk both in a class group and individually, depending on the specific focus of each session with the instructor available during the entire class time.

A key component of class will be learning to integrate intentional movement practices that minimize disruption to birds with knowledge of bird habitats, recognition of bird calls and songs, and visual identification of birds.

Birding will take place almost exclusively outdoors and on all areas of the campus. Students will be expected to be capable of being outdoors regardless of the weather (excepting severe or hazardous conditions).

The instructor will discuss current methods of identifying birds and documenting birding activity using both manual (e.g., bird identification book, notebook, etc.) and technological platforms.

…… Section: Thursdays, 7-9am 

Bouldering 1&2

Instructor: Rodney Sofich

This course will introduce you to the indoor world of pulling plastic at the local haunts of Portland. We head to the Circuit Bouldering gyms for this 7-week course. There is a course fee that is billed to the student account that gives you a 7-week unlimited use pass to any Circuit Bouldering gym. This allows you to hone your craft outside of class when you have some free time. We provide transportation and professional instruction on the night you are registered for the course.

…… Section 1: Mondays,  6:10-9pm (Quarters 2 & 3)

…… Section 2: Wednesdays,  6:10-9pm (Quarters 1, 2, 3 & 4)

Cardio Kickboxing

Instructor: Jennifer Edelson

This class relies on kickboxing concepts as a backdrop for cardio and muscular development. Students punch and kick free-standing bags, building athletic coordination in a supportive and engaging environment. Open to students of any fitness level.

Note: Boxing gloves required and available for sale at "The Cage" in the Sports Center.

…… Section:  Mondays & Wednesdays,    5:10-6pm

Co-ED Fitness for Soccer Beginning

Instructor: Larry Beutler

Students will have the opportunity to develop personal fitness levels for competitive and recreational soccer. Through weekly field-based training sessions, students will focus on developing and maintaining stamina, speed and agility for soccer while also developing individual ball handling skills. Students will also view instructional videos to support personal training and game strategies. All classes will be conducted with proper social distancing and sanitation of equipment. Open to students of all skill levels who want to enhance their enjoyment of the game.

Monday 4:10-6pm IN-PERSON

Fighting Fit: Martial Arts Conditioning

Instructor: James Morrison

Fitness and conditioning with a special focus on martial arts application.

…… Section:  Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:10-6pm

Hip-Hop Dance 1-2

Instructor: D.J. Rayley

This class teaches and breaks down the fundamental execution of Hip Hop movement. Students will explore foundational B-boy steps, Popping, Locking, footwork and other urban related dance crazes and social forms in order to practice the building blocks for developing confidence, self-expression, and a personal street groove. In addition, this class emphasizes cardiovascular conditioning, balance, agility, coordination, improvisation and choreography. This course is open to all students interested in Hip Hop. The class is designed to teach beginners and challenge advanced students.

…… Section:  Fridays, 4:40-6pm PAB

Intro to Martial Arts

Instructor: James Morrison

An introduction to the Basics of various martial arts and their application. 

Intro to Outdoor Activities

Instructor: Will Symms

In this inclusive beginner class, will work to show individuals through virtual and in person teaching different aspects of Outdoor Activities such as: Backcountry Cooking, How to pack a backpack, Camp set up/selection, trip logisitic planning and much more.

…… Section:  Wednesdays,  3:10-5:20pm

Juggling

Instructor: Stuart Celarier

Learn to juggle! An incredible variety of juggling and related forms await you including flow arts, circus arts, and object manipulation. Equipment is provided. Students start with learning 3-ball juggling, and are given the opportunity to explore in many directions including 3-ball tricks, partner juggling, adding more balls, club juggling and passing, diabolo, poi, staff, hoops, rolling globe, unicycle, and more. Individual instruction and small group instruction allows students to progress in different directions, and informal mini-workshops introduce new skills each term.

Juggling has been offered at Reed since 1979, which has fostered a vibrant and dedicated juggling community in Portland. The local jugglers host the Portland Juggling Festival at Reed College, a weekend filled with workshops, special guests and shows. The festival, which is free to the Reed community, attracts 500 jugglers and has been featured in the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal.

…… Section:  Wednesdays, 7:10-9pm 

Kayaking: Beginning

Instructors: Sam Drevo, Jacob Verhaegh, Nathan Watt

This fun and exciting (1 credit) quarter of whitewater kayak instruction will expose you to the basics of kayaking in the Reed pool (twice / week) with two trips on the Clackamas River during the fall quarter. The class will cover everything from self rescue to basic paddle stokes & dexterity to rolling (for those interested). We will play games and create a positive atmosphere for learning while mixing up your regular exercise routine. Lead by ACA instructors and instructor trainers this course is appropriate for beginners and intermediate paddlers alike and is a great addition to the ROPE program. Many students who graduate this class can get access to the Reed college boats and gear, and also organize river outings with ROC.

Note: 2-full day trips, with 1 mandatory attendance session in order to attain PE Credit

…… Section:  Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:40-8pm

Mindful Walking At Reed

Instructor: Gary Granger

Mindfulness includes being fully present, paying attention, and acting with a specific intent in the present moment. In this class we will explore using walking as an entry point for discovering the benefits of merging intentional physical movement with awareness of our breath and our surroundings. We will explore a variety of meditative walking practices that exploit the natural beauty of the Reed campus and expose us to new ways of moving through space.

The class is a combination of in-person instruction and self-directed practice. The in-person sessions will take place once per week during a one-hour session with the instructor. Students will also be required to complete and log a total of 60 minutes of self-directed practice weekly between in-person sessions.

Regular mindfulness practices are believed to help relieve stress, build resilience, and enhance overall wellbeing. Students will learn to use the physical act of walking as a technique for learning and practicing principles of mindfulness with the goal of being able to create their own enduring personal practice.

NOTE: Class will typically meet outdoors and involve traversing grass, dirt trails, and uneven terrain. Weather appropriate attire is recommended. Students with mobility challenges may contact the instructor to discuss possible accommodations. Each class has an dditional 60 minutes of self-directed practice weekly. Self-directed practice must be completed, logged, and submitted to the instructor weekly.

The course Moodle has additional information and resources for students.

…… Section 1: Wednesdays, 12-1pm

…… Section 2: Wednesdays, 4:10-5pm

Off Campus PE

Instructor: Michael Lombardo

Please be aware that you are only eligible to receive PE credit for Off Campus PE if you meet the following criteria:

• You have already completed at least 4 of your PE credits through prior classes at the Sports Center or transfer PE credits already accepted by the registrar.
• You have a compelling reason or extenuating circumstance justifying your request to take a physical education class that the Reed PE program cannot provide to you, which would be determined after a conversation/proposal between the student & Director of Athletics, Fitness and Outdoor Programs.

The activity must:

• take place in a professional facility (fitness center, yoga studio, etc.) - be supervised by a fitness  professional - meet no less than 2 hours weekly over a period of 7 consecutive weeks - occur during the academic quarter that you are registered for OCPE.

Verification of your attendance and participation of the activity on official letterhead must be submitted to the Director of Athletics, Fitness and Outdoor Programs at the end of the quarter.

Please take note: Students are only allowed to receive a maximum COMBINED of two (2) of the nondirected/guided PE classes. These include Off-Campus PE, Meditation, Swim Fitness, Independent Climb, Community Engagement, and Running Club/Running Outdoors. Once a student earns 2 credits in any of these classes any additional classes in this category will not be counted towards their six (6) total required for graduation. 

After earning two (2) nondirected/guided PE credits students are welcome to continue to take any of these classes as they prefer but will not earn additional credit.-- but otherwise you can take as many of the directed classes as you'd like!

For more information contact Michael Lombardo/lombardm@reed.edu

PE Rugby

Instructor: Bui Baravilala

Introduction to rugby skills, tactics, principles of play and fun! Class focuses on Rugby 7s, although rugby union and touch concepts are incorporated. No previous knowledge of sport or rugby necessary but welcome.

This is a full contact sport. We will teach you what you need to be safe but a willingness to get into personal space and incorporate mobility and strengthening concepts are necessary for successful and safe participation!

Practice Wednesdays 4pm-6pm, Sundays 12pm-2pm.

Matches on various Saturdays and Sundays per league schedule. Participation in games is not necessary for PE credit, but is necessary for optimum fun.

Pilates

Instructor: Mary Bradley

Pilates is a system of exercise founded by Joseph Pilates. Pilates is designed to enhance your physical strength, flexibility, posture, and mental awareness. The class will focus on strengthening your core muscles. Core muscles include your back, abdomen and hips. Concentration, Control, Centering, Precision, Breathing and Flow are the six principles of Pilates. Classes are multilevel and modifiable to student needs. Each student is able to progress according to their own ability. Some sessions incorporate techniques from The MELT Method. MELT is the first neurofascial pain relief, self-treatment technique. www.meltmethod.com

WHAT TO WEAR: Wear fitness, workout or yoga clothes. Bring a water bottle. We wear socks or go barefoot in class.

CONTACT: 503-267-2415 or pilatesmeltmary@gmail.com

…… Section:  Mondays & Wednesdays, 12-12:50pm

Rock Climbing: Beginning–Advanced

Instructor: Rodney Sofich

This class emphasizes rock climbing technique such as body position and foot work as well as belaying, rappelling, and rope management are all covered in this entry-level rock climbing course with a heavy emphasis on having fun climbing.  The class is based around meeting once a week for a gym training sessions and 2 weekend one-day trips.

Recommended for beginners to advanced.  All technical equipment like harness, shoes, helmet are provided.

Monday and Wednesday 6:10pm-8pm IN-PERSON

Rock Climbing: Independent

Instructor: Will Symms

Independent Climbing at Reed College requires students to climb independently on students’ own time. Independent Climbing is considered a non-instructional course.

Below are course requirements: 

1. Students can only have (2) credits of non-instructional coursework out of their (6) total PE requirements for graduation. Example: Student takes(2) credits of Independent PE. The other (4) credits of coursework need to have instruction and guidance.

2. A fee is billed to the students account for a (7) week unlimited climbing pass to Circuit Bouldering Gym/Portland Rock Gym (PRG). *Fee course structure ranges from $85-$150 depending on the gym for a membership. Climbing at the Reed Climbing Wall is Free.

3. Students must climb a minimum of (2) days of 45min or (1) day of 1.5 hours. Additional climbing is encouraged. The more you climb the better you become.

4. An online Google document will be shared with the students so they can keep their attendance log. It is the responsibility of the student to keep the attendance sheet up to date. If students fail to log their attendance when grades are due they will have a failing grade. Keep your attendance up to date.

5. No transportation available to gyms.

Any questions please see Will Symms for further information. He can be reached via phone 503-777-7232 / email or by seeing him in the Outdoor Center located in the Reed College Sports Center.

* Mandatory First meeting - first Wednesday of new quarter 5pm in the Outdoor Center 

Please take note: Students are only allowed to receive a maximum COMBINED of two (2) of the nondirected/guided PE classes. These include Off-Campus PE, Meditation, Swim Fitness, Independent Climb, Community Engagement, and Running Club/Running Outdoors. Once a student earns 2 credits in any of these classes any additional classes in this category will not be counted towards their six (6) total required for graduation. 

After earning two (2) nondirected/guided PE credits students are welcome to continue to take any of these classes as they prefer but will not earn additional credit.-- but otherwise you can take as many of the directed classes as you'd like!

Self Defense Theory and Fitness

Instructor: Maria Thomas

Self-Defense Theory and Fitness

Squash Beginning, Intermediate and Team

Instructor: Rodney Zaharchuk

Squash is a wonderful sport that involves strategy and skill. Great cardiovascular workouts ensue chasing the ball around the wonderfully designed courts at Reed College. These classes will teach you the basics of the sport and build your skills to take your squash abilities to the next level.

Coach and organize teams for play in Portland City Squash League.

Squash - Beginning

…… Section:  Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:10-4pm

Squash - Intermediate

…… Section:  Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:10-5pm

Squash Team

…… Practices:  Mondays & Wednesdays, 6:10-8pm 

Strength Training Advanced

Instructor: Seema Prior

The focus of this class is to instruct the student in the proper use of the strength training equipment available in the Sports Center weight room. The main goal of this class is to make everyone feel safe and comfortable in the weight room.

…… Section:  Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:10-7pm

Strength Training Beginning

Instructor: Seema Prior

The focus of this class is to learn how to apply resistance training to work towards specific goals. Students will be expected to have a rudimentary understanding of how to use most of the equipment in the weight room. The goal of Advanced Resistance training is to instruct students in the concepts used to reach specific fitness goals.

…… Section:  Thursdays, 4:10-6pm

Swim Fitness

Instructor: Will Symms

Swim Fitness is an independent study PE course offered for people who feel comfortable swimming on their own with no formal instruction. This course is completed at the students leisure with the base requirements for attaining credit completing two swim sessions per week for the 7 week course period.

Swim fitness log/requirements

First and only meeting is Wednesday(first week of classes each quarter) 5:15pm outside the Pool area upper lobby entrance.

Please take note: Students are only allowed to receive a maximum COMBINED of two (2) of the nondirected/guided PE classes. These include Off-Campus PE, Meditation, Swim Fitness, Independent Climb, Community Engagement, and Running Club/Running Outdoors. Once a student earns 2 credits in any of these classes any additional classes in this category will not be counted towards their six (6) total required for graduation. 

After earning two (2) nondirected/guided PE credits students are welcome to continue to take any of these classes as they prefer but will not earn additional credit.--

Swim Instruction

Instructor: TBD

This is a fun class designed to encourage students to explore and enjoy the water. Students must be able to go under water comfortably. Students will learn freestyle and backstroke. While developing confidence, we will work towards continued improvement on freestyle and backstroke as well as learn the breast stroke, elementary backstroke and butterfly. Treading water is also introduced in this level. 

…… Section:  Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:40-6:30pm on the Pool Deck

Traditional Tai Chi Beginning/Intermediate

Instructor: Eliot Sitt

This class offers a comprehensive introduction to the practice of Tai Chi. Yang Style Tai Chi is widely recognized as a system of exercise suitable for a wide range of ages and physical conditions. The postures are open and comfortable and the form provides a challenging learning experience without placing excessive demands on the stamina of the player. The slowness of the exercise promotes balance training and leg strength, while the calm and peaceful motions provide a variety of benefits ranging from stress reduction to lower blood pressure.

The focus of the class is on the therapeutic approach to Tai Chi practice. The goal of the class is to bring the daily practice of Tai Chi into the student's life. As with any program of therapeutic exercise, the benefits accrue to those who practice regularly. Class work includes a 15-minute warm up sequence of traditional Chinese exercises to open the joints, align the body frame and relax the mind. The slow motion sequence is then introduced in a patient and cumulative manner. Practice, repetition, review and form corrections are a part of every class.

Instruction in Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi, including learning the traditional Yang Style Long Form, qigong exercises, and basic principles of body mechanics in Tai Chi.

…… Section 1: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:10-4pm (Beginning)

…… Section 2:  Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:10-5pm (Intermediate)

Volleyball

Instructor: Katy Prewitt

In this class, students will have an opportunity to learn the basics of volleyball, including passing, setting, hitting, serving, and blocking. Open to all skill levels.

Note: Students must be comfortable playing outdoors in cold and wet weather. Indoor squash courts will be used in inclement weather.

…… Section:  Mondays & Wednesdays, 4:10-5pm

Weight Room Confidence

Instructor: Seema Prior

The weight room can be overwhelming and intimidating. This inclusive beginner class will show you how to get familiar and comfortable with the weight room space so that you can get an uncomplicated but challenging resistance training workout. You'll learn how to use the weight machines and the dumbbells, and will practice one or two nutrition habits to support your workouts. In 6 weeks you'll not only be stronger: you'll be able to confidently walk into any weight room and get a great workout in with minimal equipment or time. Melissa will be there to support you, answer questions, and keep things fun as you flex your new muscles!

…… Section:  Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7:10-8pm

Yoga: A.M.

Instructor: Matthew Ansley

“This world is your body. This world is a great school. This world is your silent teacher.” -Swami Sivananda AM Hatha/Hatha flow This morning yoga class not only wakes up the physical body but will also start to open up the subtle intelligence in the body. The student will be introduced to basic breathing techniques, classic and nontraditional yoga postures and flow sequences. The body will be stretched, lubricated and strengthened as the mind will start to come to a more single pointed focus. By the end of class, the student will feel alert, calm and ready for the day. This class is open to beginner and more experienced students as modifications and variations will be shown accordingly. Yoga mats are provided.

Prerequisite: none

Tuesday and Thursday 7:45-8:45 AM IN-PERSON

Yoga: for Relaxation

Instructor: Maya Lake-Freeman

Yoga for relaxation
This class uses simple breathing techniques and yoga asana to calm the body, nerves and mind. Props will be used in Restorative Yoga themed classes to support the body as the student surrenders all effort and the desire to be active. In other classes, students will be guided through a variety of gentle Hatha Yoga poses with attention to breath and movement. Short guided meditations, mudras and other relaxation techniques will be introduced over the course of the quarter. This class is awesome for the beginner as well as the more experienced student who desires to unwind after a long day. Yoga mats are provided.

Prerequisite: none

…… Section:  Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:10-7pm

Yoga: Hatha 1 & 2

Instructor: Maya Lake-Freeman

Hatha Yoga 1: (1st and 3rd quarters)

In Hatha Yoga I students will learn how to work with the breath and deliberate movement in order to calm the whirlings of an overactive mind. The first half of class will focus on building a strong standing sequence with emphasis on alignment and breath. Then students will be led to the floor to explore a variety of seats and reclining poses guiding the body and mind toward stillness and meditation. This class will cover discussions on energetic principles, ujjayi breathing and core strengthening. It is suitable for beginners or more advanced students wishing to refine their practice. Yoga mats are provided.

Prerequisite: none

Hatha Yoga 2: (2nd and 4th quarters)

For students who have learned the basic breathing and alignment principles in Hatha Yoga I, this class will feature a variety of poses with a specific focus each week. Modifications to poses will be given to beginning students and more challenging variations to more experienced students. This class will continue the dialog of working with intention and energy in one’s practice and daily life. Yoga mats are provided.

Prerequisite: Hatha Yoga 1 or permission from the instructor with some yoga experience.

…… Section:  Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:10-6pm

Yoga: Hatha Intermediate

Instructor: Matthew Ansley

Hatha yoga tailored to the daily needs of students

…… Section:  Mondays & Wednesdays, 4:40-5:30pm

Zumba

Instructor: Ernest Yago

Zumba, Latin Dance-Fitness fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy to follow moves to create a dynamic fitness program that will blow you away. Zumba Fanatics achieve long term health benefits while experiencing an absolute blast in one exhilarating hour of caloric-burning, body-energizing, awe-inspiring movements meant to engage and captivate for life!

Forget the workout, just lose yourself in the music and find yourself in shape at the original dance-fitness party. Zumba® classes feature exotic rhythms set to high-energy Latin and international beats. Before you know it, you'll be getting fit and your energy levels will be soaring! It's easy to do, effective and totally exhilarating.

…… Section:  Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:10-9pm