With the intensity and chaos of finals period, it is important to take a mental break, get away from your work, and have some fun. Stress Less, Splash More was an initiative during finals to get students active, moving, and allow for a reset during the exam period. Taking place during reading day, December 10th, students were encouraged to attend this event at the Tootell Aquatic Center.
Beginning at 2 pm in the lap pool, students were provided with floating rafts and were led in a group workout by student GRX instructor, Julia Aleksandrowicz. For the first half hour, Julia led a variety of activities, ranging from core-focused movements to leg exercises and stretches. The students followed along with her movements, focusing on balancing on the rafts while engaging in some physical activity. This was the perfect opportunity to get away from the books and get in a quick and lively workout. Julia completed the class with a few stretches, allowing the students to get their heart rates down and relax.
During the second half of the event, another group exercise instructor, Molly Fitzgerald, led an upbeat Zumba class in the instructional pool. With a well-attended audience, the class was high-energy and dynamic. Molly played various pop songs that were easy to move along to. This was the perfect way to get moving in a spirited and lively environment. Molly led the entire class with positive vibes, implementing many different dance moves that were easy to follow, and a good workout for all of the class takers. Even the lifeguards were joining in on the fun, dancing from the edge of the pool.
The Tootell Aquatic Center, one of Campus Rec’s facilities, is a warm and welcoming environment, free to use for all students. Open swim hours are typically 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and again from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., but may vary. There are three pools: an instructional pool, a dive well, and a lap pool. While the aquatic center is open during the entirety of the semester, finals especially are the perfect time to venture over to the pools and swim with friends or take an aquatics workout class.
Events such as Stress Less, Splash More are tailored to our student body during the finals period, especially to enhance both physical and mental well-being. It is important to surround yourself with peers and take time away from your studies to allow for a mental and physical reset, bettering your well-being. This class was open and free to all students, encouraging them to get active in a low-pressure environment with their peers. Alex and Molly made the workouts accessible for everyone, using a variety of different dance moves, stretches, and core exercises. All students, no matter their experience with Zumba or exercising, were welcome and included in the fun. Events like these are specifically tailored to the URI students and provide the opportunity to get involved in new experiences in a low-stress environment. Click here to check out upcoming fitness events and classes through our website.
By Erin Mullaney
Major: Political Science and Criminal Justice
Graduating May 2026