Recreational Services fits the bill

	Fitness West is the newest of four fitness facilities at The University of Iowa. Located in the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex, Fitness West holds plenty of cardiovascular equipment (treadmills, upright bicycles, stairclimbers), lighter free weights, and other weight equipment for UI faculty, staff, and students to enjoy. Photo by Tim Schoon.

As you flipped the calendar to 2007, you undoubtedly made New Year’s resolutions to turn on the treadmill, pound the pavement, or, at the very least, expand your exercise routine beyond remote control workouts.

But maybe these efforts fizzled after the initial January rush. Or perhaps you simply haven’t gotten around to starting your new routine. There is good news: UI Recreational Services offers University of Iowa faculty, staff, and students—and the general public, for that matter—a variety of activities in facilities across campus, allowing people the opportunity to get in shape, learn new moves, make social connections, and have a little fun while they’re at it.

If you can find the time to work out, the University likely has facilities open to accommodate you. Between four fitness centers, the Hawkeye Recreational Fields, and the Macbride Nature Recreation Area, you’re bound to find an activity that’s right for you.

“The Field House is open every day but Christmas; with 10 basketball courts, there’s always space to shoot some hoops,” says Kerry Fear, assistant director of marketing for UI Recreational Services. “Or if you’d rather, we rent outdoor equipment checkout, so you can take the whole camping. It’s a great way to be an active role model for kids.”

You might think the student population dominates the University’s workout facilities, but that’s not the case, according to Angela Charsha, UI assistant director of fitness and wellness.

“Since our facilities are open to faculty, staff, students, and the public, we have a wide age range, and we have a broad range of instructors here as well,” Charsha says. “The prime time for faculty and staff to work out is early in the morning, or during an early lunch hour.”

Intimidated by what you think you might find in a workout facility? Don’t be, Charsha says. The Rec Services staff is ready to walk new users through proper use of the fitness equipment.

So what’s out there for you?

Get fit, get well

There are four fitness centers on campus: Fitness West, the Fitness Loft, Fitness East, and the Recreation Building.

Fitness West is located in the newest recreation facility to grace the University’s campus, the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex. Located northwest of the Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame, the new complex is also home to 12 outdoor and eight indoor tennis courts, and the Touch the Earth Outdoor Rental Center. Fitness West holds plenty of cardiovascular equipment (treadmills, upright bicycles, stairclimbers), lighter free weights, and other weight equipment. Parking is free after 4:30 p.m. at the complex.

Go to the Fitness Loft, on the fifth floor of the Field House, and Fitness East, in Halsey Hall, and you’ll find equipment similar to what’s at Fitness West (including free weights up to 100 pounds at the Fitness Loft), along with amenities such as stretching areas and even cardio theaters, where you can plug in your headphones to hear the audio from one of the numerous televisions in the room.

If pumping iron is your sort of thing, the place to go is the Recreation Building. There you will find the heavy-duty gear, including free weights up to 120 pounds.

Don’t worry about working up a sweat—all four fitness facilities have locker rooms with shower facilities.

You can buy fitness passes at the Field House, Fitness East, and the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex. For a list of fees, go to www.recserv.uiowa.edu/geninfo/fees.htm.

Perhaps yoga or Pilates is more your thing. You can enroll in Rec Services wellness classes of various types for beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. There’s even a yoga class for pregnant and post-natal women.

“Faculty and staff find a lot of appeal in our wellness classes,” Charsha says. “The smaller classes, and the individual attention those classes allow, really help those who might be reluctant about working out.”

Although the current classes have begun, if you’re interested in joining, you’re welcome to drop in, space permitting. For class schedules and descriptions, visit www.recserv.uiowa.edu/programs/FitandWell/wellness.htm.

Maybe you’d like to learn a martial art, or perhaps you’d like to brush up your tennis skills. Recreational Services offers lesson programs in tae kwon do, youth and adult judo, kickboxing, tennis, and swimming, just to name a few. For a full slate of programs and costs, see www.recserv.uiowa.edu/programs/lesson/index.htm.

Personalize your workout

If a tailored workout is what you’re after, UI Personal Training can make it happen. After an initial session with a trainer for fitness assessment and consultation, you will have a fitness program specifically designed to fit your abilities and meet your needs. You can choose from a variety of trainers (personal, elite, master), as well as specialized trainers who hold yoga or Pilates national certification. For more information on session packages and the trainers, visit www.recserv.uiowa.edu/programs/FitandWell/training.htm.

Intramurals: you got game?

Think intramurals are just for Joe or Jane Undergrad? Think again. Faculty and staff are welcome to join intramural activities, and spouses of UI faculty, staff, and students can participate in the Co-Rec Intramural Program. This spring, UI intramurals will hold leagues and tournaments in racquetball, darts, billiards, softball, outdoor soccer, and 4-on-4 sand volleyball, to name a few. Some events feature competitive leagues for die-hards and recreational divisions for those just looking to enjoy a good game. If you’re a wrestler, you can start right now—weigh-ins for the spring single elimination tournament are today (Feb. 5), with matches beginning Feb. 6. Check www.recserv.uiowa.edu/programs/intramurals/events.htm for event dates, deadlines, rules, and locations.

Don’t forget the great outdoors…

Perhaps you’d sooner get your exercise outdoors. No problem—the University has numerous options if you long for some fresh air. Head out to the Macbride Nature Recreation Area, a 485-acre area located north of Iowa City, where, depending on the season, you can cross-country ski, hike, camp, or enjoy a picnic lunch. The recreation area is also home to the Macbride Raptor Project, where a dedicated staff treats and rehabilitates sick and injured birds of prey. Educational programs at the Raptor Project include tours of the raptor display. For more information, visit www.recserv.uiowa.edu/programs/MNRA/MNRA.htm.

If you’re interested in taming the rapids or pitching a tent under the stars, the Touch the Earth Outdoor Rental Center is the place to go. Daily, weekend, and weekly rentals are available for canoes, kayaks, trailers, tents, sleeping bags, cooking gear, cross country skis, and snowshoes. For a complete list of rental equipment and rates, check out www.recserv.uiowa.edu/programs/TTE/rentalcenter.htm.

Aim high

Although it’s not actually outdoors, the Climbing Gym in the Field House will take you and your workout to new heights. The 1,600 square feet of climbing surface offer simulated overhangs and bulges, and levels of difficulty range from beginner to advanced. Lessons and classes are available. See more about the Climbing Gym at www.recserv.uiowa.edu/programs/TTE/climbing.htm.

by Christopher Clair