University Recreation offering new program with intro to facilities on campus

• Tweet
• 

Mitch Spiker decided to get off the couch and get in the game this semester.

He did this through an event being offered by University Recreation for the first time. “U-start with URec,” is a week-long introduction to the fitness and recreational facilities at Central Michigan University.

“We didn’t want to sit in the dorm and play ‘Super Smash Bros.’ all day, so we went bowling,” said Spiker, a Howell freshman.

The event includes discounted fitness passes, free group fitness classes in residence halls, intramural sports orientations, mock water polo practice, discounted bowling games and several other opportunities.

Howell freshman Mitch Spiker reacts after getting a gutter ball Tuesday at the Student Activity Center. "We didn't want to sit in the dorm and play super smash brothers all day, so we went bowling" Spiker said. Students could play two games for two dollars Tuesday for "UStart with URec" week, which aims to show what University Recreation has to offer. (Jeff Smith/Staff Photographer)

Jen Nottingham, associate director of URec, said the idea of “UStart with URec” was to have an orientation-like experience for the Student Activity Center for both those incoming freshmen just settling in and returning students who never noticed.

“People are just getting here,” Nottingham said. “What a great way to showcase what it is that people can get involved in.”

Nottingham decided to combine the fitness facilities with an appealing sense of fun by making the event a week long with freebies and discounts.

“It’s pretty awesome,” said Armada sophomore Ashley McCallumore. “It’s a good way to meet new people and get a workout”.

After participating in some of the week’s activities, Nottingham said she believes “people can get excited over the energy we can provide.”

She said students are being invited to try out all the SAC has to offer. It could help many students decide what it is they want to do outside of class, while also helping many find a cheap and simple way to deal with the stress of college life.

Students who enjoy playing sports for fun but aren’t sure which to get into can head over to the SAC for Intramurals 101, at 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. today in the NIRSA room.

The events will continue until Friday with free cycling lessons from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. that day in the fitness cycle room.

-Staff photographer Jeff Smith contributed to this report.