It is mid-January and everyone is trying to keep their New Year’s resolutions, the more popular ones being exercise and healthy habits. Luckily, students are back on campus and can take advantage of the Recreational Sports Center and keep that resolution.
With both the addition of new classes and events, the rec is a great place to start your semester. Friday is the end of Rec Demo Days; in which anything that the RSC would normally charge for is free to try.
Assistant Director of Fitness Scott Berkowitz discussed the benefits of Demo Days.
“On those days you get to try all that stuff out for free,” Berkowitz said. “If you decide that you do like them then you can purchase the pass during the demo day week, and it is actually discounted. It is $10 off.”
The cut off day to try fitness classes for free is Monday, January 25 due to the lack of Mondays in the semester thus far.
There will be a few new fitness classes this semester in addition to old favorites like zumba and yoga.
“We try to bring at least one new group fitness class to each semester to try and change it up a little bit,” Berkowitz said.
Since the flood last spring, many of the classes were cancelled. So this spring semester, there are even more group fitness classes available.
Graduate Assistant to the RSC Jayna Evans talked about the new equipment that the rec received.
“The MP2 [multipurpose room] is up and running and is equipped with black lights and brand new cycle bikes,” Evans said. “It is wonderful having cycle classes back.”
A few examples of the new classes include turboKick, PiYo, and hip hop.
“These are all very specific and very different,” Evans said. “I would recommend trying at least one of those this semester. Group fitness classes are a great way to stay inspired and meet new people. There is a class for everyone and you will absolutely love the attitude and passion the instructors have. We make fitness fun.”
Another new addition to the schedule this semester is a specialty class called PT30. It is a group personal training class that cost $60 for students and $70 for non-students. There will be two 6- week sessions available in which you may attend Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 to 6:30 PM.
Berkowitz discussed how the PT30 class is geared towards the New Year’s resolution students.
“It will start Monday, January 25th,” said Berkowitz. “So those people who are on the verge of stopping their New Year’s resolution of being healthy and working out can sign up and be committed for 6-weeks and really establish that habit of going to the gym.”
This program will include a pre and post fitness assessment as well as goal setting and reflection.
“You should hopefully see some improvement,” Berkowitz said. “Whether it be in how many push-ups you can do or how much weight you lose. Something should change.”
Other new events for the beginning of this semester include The Papa John’s 1 Mile Pizza Run, the Kat Fit Games, and The Color Em Kats 5K.
The Papa John’s 1 Mile Pizza Run on January 23 at 12:30 p.m.
“The Papa John’s 1 Mile Pizza Run is eating 4 pieces of pizza in one mile, a silly-fun-run,” Evans said. “It will be put on by the graduate students from the Recreational Club. Check it out online and sign up there as well.”
The other new event, the Kat Fit Games, will be held on February 17th.
The Color Run will return this spring on March 19 at 10:00 a.m., after a successful turn out last spring. The cost is $15 per student, and it includes a t-shirt and color packets.
Evans discussed her passion for the 5K, and her excitement to see others enjoy exercise.
“The Color Em Kats 5K is coming again in March, take a look at our website for more information and to sign up,” Evans said. “This color run is my baby and I love seeing people excited to exercise.”
There are a number of new events and classes at the RSC this semester. Be sure to check it all out at http://www.shsu.edu/dept/recreational-sports/programs/fitness/fitness.html