The Fitness Centre in the Physical Activity Complex (PAC) is one of the many fitness facilities available across campus.
The Fitness Centre in the Physical Activity Complex (PAC) is one of the many fitness facilities available across campus. (Photo: Submitted)

February is BeActive month with USask Rec

Every February at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), USask Rec holds a month-long BeActive event. The goal is to encourage on- and off-campus community members to get active, to reinforce the positive benefits of getting moving for overall well-being, and to showcase the university’s many fitness facilities on campus.

By ALYSSA WIEBE

Whether members are staying active in the Fit Centre, participating in Campus Rec intramurals, working through a fitness class, or taking advantage of lane swims in the pools, there is an activity for everyone. 

“Working with other on-campus partners, USask Rec started this initiative several years ago. The goal has been to try our best to make certain that everyone on campus is aware of our programs and services, and to promote being active in February, and throughout the year,” said Paul Rogal, director of USask Rec.

With a triple gymnasium, six-lane Junior Olympic pool, four racquetball/squash courts, a 13,500 square-foot Fitness Centre, 210-metre indoor jogging/walking track, 40-foot climbing wall, a kids’ gymnastics multipurpose room, table tennis, and a fitness studio the Physical Activity Complex (PAC) has something for everyone. The Education Building also offers a gymnasium, six-lane pool, six outdoor tennis courts, and a brand-new Fitness Loft that opened on February 1.

As the campus continues to grow, so does the need for more recreation space. USask Rec recently renovated a fitness space in the Education Building that will allow members to be active in a smaller, intimate setting. Formally, known as the Education Balcony, the new Fitness Loft at Education will offer designated women’s-only times, open fitness, fitness classes, and personal training opportunities. Members must reserve a spot online up to 48 hours in advance to use the space.

“We have been working to do some much-needed renovations in the space with the goal being to offer more opportunities for members, and specifically for those who work and study in and near the Education Building,” said Rogal. “We plan to offer more specialized classes and open gym times for those interested in a small and more intimate space. We are excited to be able to offer some new programming in the space.”

This year for February BeActive, activities will be weekly based to showcase the variety of opportunities USask Rec offers to stay active on campus. One new activity this year is the POUND fitness class. This class combines cardio, Pilates, isometric movements and plyometrics with constant simulated drumming to the beat of music.

The Fitness Centre in the Physical Activity Complex (PAC) is one of the many fitness facilities available across campus.
The Fitness Centre in the Physical Activity Complex (PAC) is one of the many fitness facilities available across campus. (Photo: Submitted)

“We have 30 fitness classes that are offered weekly at the PAC and our new Fitness Loft,” said Gray Ferguson, fitness co-ordinator with USask Rec. “One thing that really differentiates POUND from other fitness classes is that each participant holds a pair of drumsticks throughout the class, banging them together in the air or on the ground to the beat of the music. It is fun, energetic, and just different than anything we have offered before.”

Returning this year is one of USask Rec’s most popular challenges throughout the month; the Row, Bike, Run, and Swim challenge. Members can choose any of the four activities and log their distance daily. Once their workout is complete for the day, they can submit their distance to the staff in the Fit Centre. At the end of the month, the centre will announce and award a prize to the member who has travelled the furthest.

Every February Break, USask Rec also offers children’s activity camps and twice-a-day youth swimming lessons that provides the chance to complete a level in one week. Classes are smaller and provide swimmers the ability to develop their skills more quickly. Also this year, youth have the chance to complete their babysitter course in a two-day class over the February Break.

“I think one of the most important things people should know is we are constantly looking for new ways to provide activity for both our on- and off-campus communities,” said Rogal. “It is important for USask Rec to find a balance between those interested in something high intensity, with those looking for 20 minutes of low stress activity, or maybe an instructional component.”

USask Rec is the main hub for recreation and fitness on campus for students, staff, faculty, and visitors. The best way to find out the latest offerings and to register for programming is via the USask Rec app that is available in your app store, or by visiting the website: rec.usask.ca.