Students can burn calories and relieve stress with a class inspired by martial arts at the Campus Recreation Center.

Emily Peloquin, senior human resources business major, instructed a body combat group fitness class Monday. A range of martial art disciplines like boxing, karate, Tai Chi, Taekwondo and Muay Thai were choreographed to music for cardio fitness.

“I’ve been an instructor for two years but have been doing body combat for four years,” Peloquin said. “It’s a really fun activity that focuses on cardio and toning for all different levels.”

Body combat is a full body workout where participants burn around 700 calories an hour, said Jen Beshansky, senior journalism major and Recreation Center instructor.

“I found taking a class is to be much easier than trying to work out by myself,” Beshansky said. “If you’re just getting started in becoming fit, body combat is a good way to get you motivated and in shape.”

But body combat can serve another purpose besides getting in shape.

“It’s a good stress reliever,” said graduate law major Alyssa Harmon. “It goes by really fast but you leave feeling great.”

Along with body combat, the Recreation Center offers kickboxing, yoga, step, PiYo, pilates, dance, body toning, stretching, cycling, boot camp and Zumba.

Peloquin said the Recreation Center offers free classes the first week of semester and the week around midterms.