With a new functional gym, new group fitness classes and a revamped yoga studio, the University of Michigan-Flint Recreation Services Department is updating the recreation center for a better experience.
“We are excited about the updates to some of our spaces this semester and hope students will stop by for a tour if they are unfamiliar with our building,” said Julia Stullock, associate director of programs and marketing for Recreational Services. “Recreational Services is more than just a place to exercise in the Rec Center – it includes programs, classes, events and services that are aimed at helping students be physically active and build a sense of belonging to the campus community.”
The Rec Center, located at 401 Mill St., offers a variety of programs, teams, classes and facilities that are free to registered students. New this summer, Rec Services is offering all continuing students a free membership. Faculty, staff and family members of enrolled students may purchase memberships at a discounted rate.
The facility features a cardio room and indoor track, a weight room with free weights and a lifting platform, Cybex machines, multi-purpose courts, racquetball courts, a pool and spa, and a dry sauna.
The Rec Center recently created a functional gym on the upper level in a former racquetball court. The room offers equipment similar to the existing U-Fit room, but is open to all members during regular building hours. Members can find TRX suspension training stations, medicine balls, agility ladders, plyometric boxes, dumbbells, mats and more to conduct a total fitness routine at their own pace. The yoga studio, room 11 on the lower level, just got a fresh coat of paint and will soon have echo-reducing panels and new lighting to freshen up the space.
Rec Services also introduced new fitness classes this semester, including Zumba, slow flow yoga, basic Vinyasa yoga and an indoor cycling class called Spinyatta. Classes are first-come, first-served and free to all students and members. Established fitness classes include U-Fit (functional fitness), gentle yoga, high-intensity interval training and aqua fitness.
UM-Flint also offers club sports that are university-sponsored, student-run organizations that compete against other colleges and universities in various state, regional and national competitions. Recently, students have started tennis, ultimate and golf clubs. Students do not need to play a sport before coming out for the team.
Participating in club sports helps students develop teamwork and leadership skills and provides fun and friendship.
The full list of club sports is:
- Baseball
- Men’s basketball
- Golf
- Men’s hockey
- Men’s football
- Women’s football
- Tennis
- Ultimate Frisbee
- Volleyball women
If students are interested in starting a new club sport, they can work with Rec Services to start a team or see if fellow students are already trying to start a team.
Intramurals are free, fun and friendly intercollegiate competitions open to all enrolled students, faculty and staff with a Rec Center membership. UM-Flint’s sports leagues include basketball, volleyball and futsal. Leagues are four weeks long, and the university offers two league sessions during the fall and winter semesters.
In addition to leagues, UM-Flint offers individual competitions, including a virtual run/walk challenge in March, a golf challenge, basketball shooting contests, and chess and ping pong tournaments.
UM-Flint also offers eSports, organized multiplayer video game competitions. The eSports Lab is open daily from 7am to midnight and gives students access to state-of-the-art technology such as new 13th generation Intel GeForce 4070 Legion PCs. Games include Chess, Call of Duty, CS:GO, League of Legends, Overwatch, Rainbow 6, Super Smash Bros, Rocket League and Valorant.
“Esports is a great way to get involved on campus,” said Luke Rymarczyk, program manager of eSports. “Surrounding yourself with amazing, inspired individuals, willing to compete or play casually, is a great way to make new connections and memories.
“College eSports offers students the opportunity to take their gaming aspirations to the next level, including competing in an eSports facility against colleges internationally, custom apparel for varsity athletes, learning and growth opportunities within eSports.” eSports at UM-Flint is the perfect place to level up.”