I’ve been to enough college campuses to know that everyone’s budgets are quite different. Whereas University of North Texas – just one of the schools I’ve seen (and attended, for that matter) – had a massive multiplex of a recreation center, complete with an elevated track for walking/running and a ginormous weightlifting center; other schools had… a well-paved sidewalk for you to do your walking/running.
The rock climbing wall inside of University of Texas’ Pohl Recreation Center
It’s difficult – it takes tons of money to make that happen, and every school ain’t got it. But still, as we talk about often, it doesn’t take tons of money to encourage fitness. Some of us did it/do it for cheap… we’re talkin’ gallon jugs for weights cheap.
And, with lots of media covering Spelman’s decision to scrap their sports for wellness programs for the entire campus, I’m curious – what kinds of initiatives are your campuses and alma maters putting forth to teach and encourage fitness and healthy living?
Not only does this become your opportunity to brag, but it also becomes an opportunity to share with others who can then bring your ideas back to their campus and hopefully help them gain traction. Does your campus have an organization that throws events where you charge $2 or $3 for entry to a fitness class where grad students in sports exercise or exercise science can practice their teaching skills? Do you host sessions where the Masters of Public Health grad students discuss health issues in depth so that people understand how the way they live affects their health? Did your school spring for an outdoor gym or a fitness zone? Do you host health and fitness experts to come out and host Q&A sessions to help people learn healthy living tactics while they’re in school?
What kinds of organizations or programs are encouraging fitness while you’re on the yard?