News

New Rec center offers workshops

By Sheree Stubblefield
The Daily Cougar

The new Campus Recreation and Wellness Center attracts a great deal of attention to its impressive features. Not so obvious are the numerous free services, classes and workshops the center offers to students and faculty. The activities range from aerobics to rock climbing and are aimed at appealing to all interests.

While the Department of Campus Recreation said it does make a concerted effort to make sure students know about the programs they put on, a number of students do not.

"I wasnit aware of the free (aerobics classes)," said Joseph Smith, senior political science major. Instructional classes are held from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Aerobics instructors must be UH students and certified nationally to teach the courses. Classes offered include traditional, aquatic, dance and step aerobics, pilates, yoga and extreme abs.

Campus Recreation has added programs "across the board (this semester)," said Tish Tipping, associate director of Campus Recreation and Programs.

Outdoor Adventures is a new program this semester that oversees the rock wall in the Wellness Center. This activity is not free; there is a $3 charge for equipment rental.

"Itis an amazing opportunity, a nice, light workout and very interesting hobby," said Matthew Ismert, assistant director of Outdoor Adventures. 

But they would like to be "much more than climbing," Ismert said. Their goals include putting in a rental shop for basic camping equipment and starting programs to increase team building and group dynamics. Ultimately, they would like to incorporate outdoor excursions for interested parties, Ismert said.

Another sector of Campus Recreation that is more recognized is the intramural sports program. Anyone can sign up for a seasonal sport as a group or as an individual, said Steve Waden, assistant director of intramurals and summer camps.

"This is a place where you meet people," Waden said.

Also available for students are the more competitive sports club teams, which are recognized as student organizations. 

In the fall, Red Cross certification classes were available; this semester, swimming classes will be offered in four levels to students for $20 and to faculty and staff for $25. 

"I didnit know about these activities but now that I do, I will be sure to get involved," said hotel and restaurant management sophomore Traci Smith.

Any additional information is available online at <I>www.uh.edu/recreation<P>. Campus Recreation can be contacted at 713-743-9500.
 

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