As the weather becomes colder, students pack away their swimming gear and take out their favorite boots and soft sweaters. With back-to-back midterms and a packed schedule, students may be inclined to enter hibernation mode. But more than 80 classes offered a week target different parts of the body, Campus Recreation’s Group Fitness program can help students maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout the winter months.

While the gym may be a daunting place, Campus Recreation assistant director Janet Kroencke said Campus Recreation’s Group Fitness classes provide safe, comfortable environments to work out in. Kroencke said Campus Recreation offers seven class options — which include cardiovascular, dance fitness, strength and water training and others. Participating in the program costs $7 for a single class, $50 for a semester and $90 for the academic year, Kroencke said. 

To provide an opportunity for students to learn about Campus Recreation programs, Kroencke said classes are free for students during the first week of each semester. Campus Recreation also offers “Bring Your Buddy for Free Week” during the middle of the semester, where students can bring their friends along to their fitness classes for free.

Between having to fulfill academic responsibilities and maintaining and active social life, remembering to take care of your health is important, but may be put on the back-burner. Here’s a piece of advice to consider: If you can go out to the bars in cold weather, you can go to the gym. At some point, students need to tell themselves, “Enough is enough — I need to focus on myself.” 

That was point for me came during the spring semester of my junior year at the University. I realized I had one year before I’d be thrown into the real world to find a job and start the next chapter of my life. I only had a year left to take advantage of the University’s state-of-the-art workout facilities. Soon after this realization, I signed up to run the Christie Clinic Illinois Half Marathon and the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. I knew that if I had a goal in mind, I would do whatever it took to reach the finish line. After running 13.1 miles last spring and 26.2 miles this fall, I have become motivated to try out Campus Recreation’s classes in an effort to stay active throughout my last year on campus.

Cycling is one of the most challenging but rewarding classes I’ve taken at the ARC. While I don’t like to sweat on a day-to-day basis, I love sweating at the gym because it is proof that I am challenging myself. Never go to the gym with the thought of, “If I start to sweat, people will judge me.”

No matter what results you’re hoping for, always remember that working out should be a fun and enjoyable experience.  

Champaign-Urbana has a great MTD system that takes you directly to the ARC and CRCE. Even if it’s snowing outside, jump on the bus and make your way to a fitness class. Never be hesitant to try new things.  

As you pack away your flip-flops, remember that you don’t have to “pack” on any extra weight just because the seasons are changing. Staying active and creating a healthier lifestyle is important; the sooner you start, the better. Though time may be limited because of school, taking the initiative to utilize the Campus Recreation Group Fitness classes and facilities is a great way to learn how to manage your time. Stop making excuses and set achievable goals throughout your time at the University.

David is a senior in LAS. He can be reached at [email protected].