Get moving at UTSA Campus Rec and the Downtown Fitness Center

(Sept. 4, 2019) -- The UTSA Recreation Wellness Center, better known as The Rec, has nearly 185,000 square feet of indoor space on the Main Campus to enrich the personal wellness of all members of the UTSA family. If you take classes at UTSA, you are already a member! While on the outside it may look like just a really nice gym, there’s more to The Rec than meets the eye.

Encouragement and inspiration…exercise classes

Zumba, Cycle, Yoga and Cardio Dance are just a few of the many classes available for free with a Campus Rec membership. Classes are available all day to accommodate any schedule. Make friends and improve your health through regular workouts.

Be cool in the pool

A lap pool and a leisure pool are waiting for you to take a dip on a hot day or get some exercise. Both pools are heated with the leisure pool around 86 degrees and the lap around 81 degrees for your enjoyment. There’s also a sand volleyball court and tons of pool gear for some wet and wild fun! Plus, the Aquatic Center offers private and group lessons for kids and adults.

Your personal workout awaits

The Rec has a number of workout spaces both big and small full of cardio and weight-lifting machines to suit most any fitness needs. Experience the Rec’s total body cardio through specialized equipment such as the Ski ERG, Echo Bike, and Jacob’s Ladder. Don’t know how utilize some of these fancy new machines? Talk to any Fitness staff member for your free weight/cardio room orientation.

Yes! An indoor track

San Antonio wears humidity and heat like daily clothing. For runners who want to avoid running in the heat or just prefer running indoors, the top level of the Rec features an elevated, rubberized track circling the whole complex that makes it easier to tackle those miles in the A/C without falling victim to the heat. To help you complete your workout, each lap you complete is 1/6th of a mile. But, always hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

Best in the state…our rockwall

Feeling adventurous? Not ready for mountains yet? UTSA is home to the tallest collegiate rockwall in the state of Texas. The Rockwall has routes for every skill level, and there’s always trained staff available to teach novices how to climb safely. For experienced climbers looking to challenge themselves, the Rec hosts climbing events twice a year with regular clinics all year long. This fall, you can get ready for Rocktoberfest Climbing Competition running from October 28 to November 1.

Join the club

UTSA offers more than 30 different club sports. These student-run organizations feature everything from volleyball to table tennis to triathlon club and even eSports. Clubs often meet weekly for practice and even compete in national championships. If you have an idea for a club UTSA doesn't offer, start your own club with your friends. UTSA also offers an intramural sports program for students, faculty and staff to participate in a variety of competitive and recreational sports leagues, tournaments and special events.

Free, fun, food…take a cooking class

The Demo Kitchen cooking sessions are free instructional programs that teach cooking techniques and recipes while focusing on nutritional content. These meals are designed to be healthy, inexpensive and easy to make. The best part is, after you make it, you get to eat it.

Flex your muscles at the Downtown Campus

A great workout also is available at the Downtown Fitness Center. Located on the third floor of the Durango Building, the Downtown Fitness Center offers a variety of cardio and strength equipment and an exercise studio. Also, challenge yourself and participate in our great fitness competitions downtown for your chance at earning a Fitness Champion t-shirt and, better yet, to meet fellow Runners. A new Downtown Campus Recreation Center, complete with fitness machines, weights and a separate exercise room is under construction in the Frio Building (FS 1.504) and will be ready for students to use later this fall. 

— Nicholas Ward

Visit UTSA Campus Rec for more information on facilities and programs.

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