The fall semester is officially underway, and many students are beginning to juggle a mountain of homework, busy schedules and living on their own. It is essential for college students to recognize the importance of health and fitness, as well as the undeniable connections between physical activity, productivity, achievement and overall well-being.
The University of Mississippi is well aware of the importance of physical and mental wellness, so they offer numerous opportunities for students to participate in free or low-cost activities this September. The university provides two main facilities for students to utilize: the South Campus Recreation Center (SCRC) and the Turner Center.
Weightlifting techniques
If you are looking to lift weights or do some cardio, consider taking a Fitness 101 tour led by certified personal trainers. Tomorrow and Thursday from 4-4:30 p.m., SCRC and Turner will be respectively hosting demonstrations of the equipment to show how it is used and how to target specific muscles.
Addiction recovery walk
There is a Recovery Walk at SCRC on Sunday, Sept. 7 at 2 p.m. to celebrate those who have recovered from alcohol or drug addiction with a free shirt to the first 50 participants.
Intramurals
Intramurals are a great way to stay active, competitive and meet new people. Get involved this month with tournaments like cornhole on Wednesday, Sept. 10 or sand volleyball from Sept. 14-18. A table tennis tournament will take place on Monday, Sept. 29 to scratch your competitive itch.
Students can also join leagues like dodgeball, outdoor doubles pickleball or outdoor soccer to meet new teammates and friends. Intramural and club sports sign-ups are done through the OleMissCR app and by purchasing a play pass.
Stairclimb challenge
Try combining exercise and civic participation in the Sept.11 PowerMill Stair Climb Remembrance Challenge to honor the first responders at either SCRC or Turner.
Yoga
If you are looking to unwind, consider yoga. Trash Can Friday Flow offers yoga in the Grove at 12 p.m. on Fridays before home football games. If you prefer in-studio yoga, the Turner Center is hosting a free nostalgia-filled Y2K yoga class on Thursday, Sept. 25.
Other weekly rhythms
Go for a dip in the pool with Swim 101 on Tuesdays at the Turner Center and refine your swimming skills with help from experienced swim instructors, or attend Kayak Thursdays to try one of many exciting water games.
For those willing to invest some money, the Fit Pass is a cost-effective way to access the countless group fitness classes offered daily. SCRC Facility Attendant and UM senior Caitlin Hitch has purchased the Fit Pass for the past two years and recommends the group classes.
“I go every single day,” Hitch said. “I genuinely have a lot of fun doing the group fitness classes, and they’re like a different experience and a different way to stay active.”
If the idea of group classes does not appeal to you, but you still want high-level instruction to get started, in that case, there are Intro to Weightlifting classes on Mondays and Wednesdays this month for $60. If you are already a pro, you can sign up for the Personal Trainer Prep Course or the Group Fitness Instructor Prep Course with the American Council on Exercise for $50.
