Summer is a great time to invest in yourself and FAST makes it easy to start. FAST is a 5-week strength training program designed specifically for URI faculty and staff. This program is built for those who want to develop a fitness foundation in a welcoming, low-pressure environment. Led by nationally certified instructors, sessions run 45 minutes twice a week, guiding participants through safe and effective strength training tailored to their individual goals, health, and current fitness level.
The goal of FAST is not only to make progress during the 5 weeks but to help people feel more comfortable exercising on their own and staying active long term. Sessions run from June 30th to July 30th, with registration opening on June 16th and closing on June 29th. The cost is $75, and participants should come prepared with breathable workout clothes, comfortable shoes, and a water bottle. Sessions will take place in Tootell Circuit Studio.
What sets FAST apart is the intentional structure behind it. David Jenkins, URI’s Campus Recreation Fitness Coordinator, developed the program after Campus Rec identified a gap in fitness opportunities for faculty and staff. The result is a small-group format, keeping numbers low so instructors can provide adjustments, monitor progress, and ensure participants feel supported rather than lost in the crowd. The Tootell Circuit Studio provides a private space where participants spend the first weeks focused on proper form before progressing to added weight or more advanced variations.
Even after the 5 weeks end, FAST encourages participants to keep building on what they started. Jenkins shared that staying active can sometimes be difficult, even after someone has built consistency and a good foundation. Due to that, some participants choose to continue with personal training to help stay on track. Campus Recreation also promotes a more holistic view of wellness, recognizing that long-term healthy living is about more than just completing a short program. FAST is meant to be a starting point that helps participants build habits they can maintain.
FAST is about more than 5 weeks of workouts, it’s about building the confidence and habits to keep showing up for yourself long after the program ends. Take the first step and register through RhodyRec before spots close on June 29th.
By Megha Sud