At Campus Recreation, we uphold our mission to “Be Active, Be Well, Belong” at URI by promoting all areas of wellness for our students and staff. As a freshman, one way I like to promote wellness in my life is by exploring what campus life has to offer, especially through fitness classes. Not only is this a way for me to promote physical wellness in my daily routine, but also a way to encourage social and emotional wellness. Coming into a new environment, it can be intense with all these new changes. It can take a toll on us physically and mentally, causing all sorts of feelings to rise. One of my favorite ways I have found to channel all of these feelings in a healthy way is by staying active and getting involved in the fitness classes our campus community has to offer!
Going to the gym can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t know where to start. That’s why, thanks to Campus Rec and IMLeagues, this has eased that anxiety with the many classes provided on campus. When I first started going back to the gym this fall, I had no idea what to expect or what I was doing. It felt like everyone around me already had it figured out. So when I came across a post from URI Health Promotion about registering for classes on IMLeagues, I was curious. On IMLeagues, there is a wide array of classes to choose from, depending on what you are interested in. For my first class, I signed up for Zumba on the quad with the Women’s Center and Campus Rec. I was a little nervous because it had been a while since I took a fitness class, so I didn’t really know what to expect. The minute I walked onto the quad, I was greeted with friendly faces and a welcoming atmosphere. The instructor helped guide everyone through the class, giving cues and playing upbeat music to help get our blood pumping. It was active yet fun, which I really loved about Zumba. So much so that it is now a part of my weekly schedule, and I go at least twice a week at the Anna Fascitelli Fitness & Wellness Center! There are a variety of fitness classes from Zumba, to Barre Sculpt, Yoga, Nature Walks, and more!
After class, I interviewed Paige Skellet, a junior majoring in biological sciences and one of the Campus Recreation workout instructors. One of the questions I asked her was why she would recommend this class to someone who is interested in going back to the gym or trying something new. “I think honestly it’s a class for all levels and it’s a fun way to get moving, stay healthy, and a great way to meet people! I love being an instructor because I danced for a long time, and even if you’re not a dancer, it’s a fun way to incorporate movement, and it’s a lot like Just Dance!”
From this point forward, I ended up exploring different types of fitness classes to see what worked for me and my routine. After coming home one weekend on a Sunday afternoon, I decided to take a yoga class. I was feeling anxious about my upcoming assignments for my classes and wanted to find an outlet for letting those feelings go. Instead of an upbeat environment like Zumba, it was quiet and soothing with a nice ambience and relaxing music. I didn’t work up a sweat, but I was still active with stretches that enhanced flexibility, and reconnecting with my mind and my body.
Growing up, I used to be very involved in athletics as a dancer up until the pandemic. This changed a lot of people’s ways of staying active, and it changed mine physically and emotionally. Now entering college and having the resources available to encourage me to stay active, I’ve started building a routine that works for my schedule and keeps me grounded. Whether that’s going to the Wellness Center, going for walks around the campus, or simply just taking time to recharge and find balance, it is important to find what works for you in staying active and healthy. Be sure to check out the variety of classes we have to offer at Campus Rec at IMLeagues and check our socials @uricampusrec for future updates!
By: Aaliyah Holford
Major: Communications
Graduating May 2029