Campus Recreation highlights the importance of physical well being, creating a variety of activities for students to remain active. During the school year, it is easy to remain active! With group exercise classes, cardio rooms, weight rooms, intramural sports, and many other facilities such as the pool and the bike paths, there are opportunities for everyone to stay active. However, incorporating fitness and movement into your routine over the summer can prove to be a bit more challenging. With the busyness and excitement of summer, it can be easy to put aside physical well being. As most students live away from campus over the summer, access to a gym membership may be limited. However, there are many opportunities to stay active without a gym membership. As the weather gets warmer, it is critical to stay moving.

Physical activity from afar

One of my favorite ways to stay active over the summer is simply by walking. Whether it’s in the morning or after a long day, walking allows me to reset and clear my mind with a low impact workout. Summer is such a beautiful season. Going on sunset walks and beach walks is incredibly relaxing yet recharging and boosting for your body. Check out new locations while you walk, or better yet, hike! There are many hikes that do not call for much or any equipment or experience, and are available to the public. If walking or hiking does not feel like enough of a workout, try running. Whether you’re experienced or not, running offers benefits for everyone and is something you can take completely at your own pace. If you’re looking to become involved within the running community, checkout your local social media platforms to get involved with nearby running clubs. I find there are numerous of these local running communities. Becoming a member of groups such as running clubs allows for both betterment of physical well being, while at the same time, is an outlet for connections and community building.

Sometimes, staying active means getting out of our comfort zone. Challenge yourself to try something new this summer for the benefit of your physical health. Whether this may be exploring a different interest such as hiking, or maybe signing up for a workout class in your hometown, you may find a new favorite hobby. 

Fitness can be as simple as practicing yoga or watching an exercise video on YouTube. Summer is the perfect time to explore new hobbies and fitness routines. Take your workout outside, make some creative cardio by doing Zumba or jumping rope. Working out does not need to be time-consuming or costly; curate a routine that you enjoy to prioritize your physical health. 

Summer With Campus Rec

For those who are on campus this summer, there are plenty of opportunities for physical activity. Group exercise classes are still being offered over the summer.  There are a variety of classes to try out this summer [see the full schedule here]. In addition, the Anna Fascitelli Fitness and Wellness Center remains open and operating [view summer hours]. If you have not yet explored our gyms on campus, now is the time! The gym is quieter and less busy over the summer, taking the stress and intimidation of the gym away from newcomers. The bike path is beautiful during the summer season and runs all the way from Kingston to Narragansett. Walk a mile, ride your bike, or venture all the way to the beach just from campus. For a more secluded walk, check out the North Woods hiking trails near the URI Greenhouse. This path takes you on a shaded, quiet nature walk. Other on campus activities we offer include outdoor pickleball and tennis courts, along with the indoor basketball courts located in Mackal Field House.  

Right down the road, the Sailing Center is one of the most unique and popular attractions during the summer season. With a membership, students can access paddle boards and kayaks for free, making for a great way to cool off and explore the Atlantic. In addition, the center offers classes for students to learn how to sail, and for more information, click on this link. As mentioned, summer is a great time to try new things and get out of your comfort zone. Be sure to take advantage of this one-of-a-kind opportunity offered by Campus Rec. 

Functional Fitness

Remaining active over the summer is critical. Over these few months, it proves easy to become wrapped up in summer jobs, vacations, time spent with friends and family, and let go of routines created during the school year. Incorporating fitness into your routine is essential as it allows not only better physical health, but boosts individuals’ moods and energy levels, combats anxiety, and allows for better focus abilities. Physical activity provides us with the opportunity to meet new people, create connections, and try new things. Our mission at Campus Rec is just that: to promote wellness, both on campus and off. Challenge yourself with new fitness activities and routines this summer. Stay fit, Rams!