It’s no secret that as college students, we’re often short on cash and need to save whenever possible. However, one area that we should never cut back on is our physical fitness. Regular physical activity benefits both body and mind—it can reduce your risk of many chronic diseases and stimulate areas of the brain associated with memory and learning.
If purchasing a fitness membership is tough on your wallet, there are still plenty of options around campus for getting a great workout. Check out some of the best free resources in the area, including some hidden gems:
1. Running:
Running and walking around campus is a great, easy way to work out. Did you know there is a free indoor track above the volleyball court in Rec Hall? There are also beautiful running trails north of the Arboretum in Hartley Wood to enjoy during the warmer months.
2. Yoga:
In addition to improving your flexibility and fitness, yoga can help you to relax. University Health Services offers free yoga in 205 Student Health Center. Classes are taught by local instructors and are appropriate for all skill levels. Yoga mats, straps and blocks are provided.
3. Sports:
Our campus offers many fields and courts for basketball, volleyball, tennis, football, and soccer. Stop by a commons desk to check out equipment, and get a game started! Bad weather? No problem– basketball, racquetball, squash, and volleyball courts are available in Rec Hall and the IM building. Stop by the equipment office to borrow gear or bring your own.
4. Open Space:
Ever notice how big our recreation facilities are? Turns out not everything requires a fitness membership. As long as the rooms aren’t reserved, you can find a room full of mirrors perfect for dancing in the White Building. In addition to the free indoor track, Rec Hall also offers mats, pull up bars, monkey bars, and stahl bars under the bleachers of the volleyball court. This is a great quiet place to do stretches and core work.
About the Blogger:
Emma is a senior majoring in Nutrition. She is a physical activity team leader for HealthWorks, a peer health education program within University Health Services.