QUICK AND EASY WAYS TO GET YOUR EXERCISE ON CAMPUS

For students with limited time, what quick and effective exercise options or routines do you recommend they incorporate into their daily schedules?

BM: Last year, we expanded fitness options for our UH Community by repurposing four racquetball courts into the Red Zone. Located downstairs across from the main basketball court, it features six squat racks, two fitness rigs, cardio equipment — like treadmills and rowers — and a turf area for sled pushes, box jumps and tire flips. Each piece of equipment is geared for efficient workouts.

If participants aren't sure how to utilize equipment or didn’t come to the gym with a workout plan, they can use the MARS screen, a digital screen that provides over 50 workouts that participants can complete based on their fitness level and/or the equipment they want to use.

Access to the Red Zone and second-floor equipment is free for UH Recreation members. Additionally, we offer free group fitness classes and paid Specialty Red Zone classes such as Box Fit and Move It 30/45. Red Zone pass holders can attend any scheduled Specialty Red Zone class, including the 30-minute full-body Move It sessions.

Are there specific fitness classes or activities that cater to beginners or individuals looking for low-intensity but impactful workouts?

BM: We offer small group trainings throughout the semester such as Beach Bod and Beginner Strength. Also, we offer over 40 group fitness classes and eight specialty Red Zone classes per week, which are beginner friendly.
Our group fitness schedule includes classes such as yoga, Pilates, cycle and sculpt, total body and more. Specialty Red Zone classes include Box Fit and Move It, offered in both 30- and 45-minute sessions. All of these classes can be viewed in our MyRec App.

What are some convenient ways for students to stay active on campus outside of structured exercise classes or gym sessions?

BM: The Art Walk and outdoor track are great options. The track is located at the CRWC Field located behind our facility (Wheeler Ave and Spur 5) and features strength equipment placed along the path. Students and CRWC members can also play rec sports or workout during informal recreation hours at Gertner Field (Cullen Blvd and Elgin).

With so much open greenspace on campus, this provides space for informal activities such as playing catch with friends, social games of flag football or soccer, etc. All fitness activities don’t need to be structured or planned. Moving your body and enjoying activities that bring you joy are also great and convenient ways to stay active on campus.

What about students who prefer sports, but are looking for a more structured outdoor sports program?

BM: Sports Clubs or intramurals are a great option.

Rec Sports offers programs such as soccer and flag football. There are 27 sport clubs, varying from more recreational and social to competitive. These clubs practice regularly, and the competitive teams travel and compete against other universities. Outdoor sport clubs include men’s lacrosse, rugby, soccer, tennis, ultimate frisbee and pickleball.

Recreational activities, such as kickball and ultimate frisbee, are part of the intramural program. We also have six tennis courts available for matches.

Can you suggest strategies for incorporating short bursts of physical activity into daily routines, especially for students who may not have extended periods for traditional workouts?

BM: I suggest walking briskly between classes or meetings and taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Try doing chair stretches right before class begins, such as ankle and wrist rolls, shoulder and neck rolls, and toe taps which can work your shins. Students also can rent bikes from our Outdoor Adventure Program area and cycle around our campus with friends.

When working on homework, set a timer for 30 minutes to complete a quick body weight circuit or workout with movements such as leg lifts, squats, pushups and sit ups. This can be an easy way to incorporate workouts throughout the day. In addition, standing while working, to limit the amount of time that you sit during the day is also beneficial. If you must sit, consider investing in a stability ball. Sitting on a stability ball will work your core while you work.