Have fun, get fit with student recreation programs

Students take on the 43-foot climbing wall in the Student Recreation Facility. — Photo: R. Glass

The Student Recreational Facility was bustling with energy Thursday as students gathered for the annual Rec Live event. Bright balloons and friendly staff greeted students, their excitement and smiles contagious.

Rec Live, Campus Recreation’s annual open house since 2011, offers a diverse array of activities for students to participate in, from bubble soccer and rock climbing, to KIN volleyball and drop-in fitness classes.

These activities are offered throughout the entire year, said Lynne Thompson, associate director of Campus Recreation.

“There are so many activities to choose from,” she said. “Students should just take time to be involved in intramural [sports] and the drop-in fitness classes. It’s just a great way to make new friends, and to create a social network.”

In addition to sports, the event also featured information on health, fitness and student organizations, snack stations and an area set up for facials.

Junior Chris Mendiola was working at the recreation center during the event.

“It’s the free stuff [that gets people excited]; especially the food,” said Mendiola, a health information management major. Jimmy John’s, Buffalo Wild Wings and Power Crunch energy bars were some of the local vendors.

Rec Live is a great opportunity for students to learn about local businesses and blend the UIC community and the city of Chicago, Thompson said.

“We are a health and fitness center,” she said. “Yes, you are here to learn, but it’s also important to take care of your health. I hope that from the programs offered, students will learn and take advantage of the knowledge and [create] a lifelong regimen of wellness.”