Written by: Forrest Dukes

The University of Akron has a diverse group of students and the Recreation and Wellness Center works to support students emotionally,  socially, mentally and physically.

“We try to work with several types of exercise since there are different types of students here. Having students from all over the country and the world, we have to change and add to fit the student’s needs.” Julia Neal, the manager of special events at the recreation center, said.

The recreation center’s vision is to support the students at UA through health, fun and friendship. They do this by adding activities that students can do through their six different programs in aquatic; fitness and wellness; intermural and club sports; outdoor adventures and informal rec, or walk-in.

“We are not here to tell you, you have to be here and workout for 40 minutes, but we want you to find something that you like and stick with it,” Jim Walczyk, director of the Recreation and Wellness Center, said. “We are here to help support a habit that you’re building.”

The center is committed to this goal. The department added five new intermural sports, installed challenges and group exercises for students, and added hours throughout the winter break for students to continue their pursuit of a healthier life.

The recreation center offers exercises like Zumba, cycling, total body workouts and challenges to fulfill other training needs students might have. One of the many opportunities for students at the recreation center is to take the Mile High Challenge. In this challenge, students can sign up to climb the 53-foot-6-inch tall wall several times over the semester to add up to a mile.

“Come check us out and see what all we have to offer. Try the different things we have, be patient if there is a crowd and most important, find something you love and stick with it. No matter what it may be, recreation is different for all people who get involved in it.” Walczyk says.

With equipment for weight lifting, several pools, an indoor track and a rock climbing wall, there are numerous activities and exercises for students to get involved in.

“We update, and we are not the same as when we first opened, and this is due to surveys that we have to make helpful decisions for the next semester, because we are a representation of the students that go to the University of Akron.” Neal said.

The Recreation and Wellness Center is open during the semester from 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Saturday, and noon – 11 p.m. on Sunday. For times for specific equipment and special winter break hours, go to http://www.uakron.edu/srws/.