UREC Shifts Fitness Workouts and Recreational Challenges to Online to Keep You Hale and Hearty

Just as faculty and students are adjusting to doing coursework online, University Recreation is making the shift to online programming. A few options include group fitness classes, at-home workouts, outdoor recreation opportunities, intramural sports, and various health and wellness tips and challenges.

"We know that with our facilities being closed, participants are having to get creative with their workout routines, and we want to do what we can to help them," said Casey Fant, assistant director of fitness and wellness.

University Recreation is bringing back its Commit to Fit challenge to encourage the campus community to stay committed to their own well-being while working remotely from home. Participants will earn points by logging their physical activity each week during the month of April. Prizes will be awarded to those who complete 600 minutes during the month of April. This challenge is free. Registration opens on Monday, March 30 at fitevent.uark.edu.

A variety of UREC group fitness classes will be available via Zoom to the entire U of A community. This will launch on Monday, March 30. Participants can find the schedule and log-in details here on the UREC website. Live classes are scheduled throughout the day on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the week of March 30. An updated schedule will be provided each week.

"During this time, we see an immediate need to deliver a fitness experience into the homes of our participants," said Fant.

For at-home workouts, follow our social media channels @urecarkansas or visit the UREC YouTube channel to access online exercise videos led by certified group fitness instructors.

University Recreation is encouraging people to get outdoors to exercise during this time while keeping in mind the recommended CDC guidelines for safe social distancing.

"I like the idea of keeping some sense of normalcy and engagement as a university community. This is something familiar, which is much appreciated during this uncertain time," said Mike Hoover, associate director of assessment, staff development, and outdoors.  

"A simple walk outside can do a world of good for mental health," said Hoover. "People can use this as an opportunity to exercise in a different way."

Additionally, UREC Sports will be hosting a variety of virtual events. Events include a 5K, e-sports, and trivia contests. 

More online programming will become available in the coming weeks. Please visit www.urec.uark.edu for details on all of our programming options.