One of the best and most efficient ways to exercise is in the water. Water-resistance workouts are better for your joints, and with the right type of exercise, you could burn more than 1,000 calories in a one-hour workout.
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UAB’s Campus Recreation Center is offering several new programs to faculty, staff and students, including the new Aqua Zumba classes in the Rec Center pool. The class, which recently started, meets each Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:25 p.m.
“This is really an up-and-coming program,” says Jennifer Probert, assistant director of marketing at the Campus Rec Center. “We had 25 people participate in our first class — both men and women — and they had a great time. We are already looking to add another lane for participants to work out in!”
Probert says Aqua Zumba participants can burn as many as 1,100 calories an hour if they match the intensity of the instructors. She says the low-impact nature of Aqua Zumba enables participants to push through a longer workout.
“It really doesn’t feel like you’re working out,” Probert says. “You’re just dancing, laughing and having a great time.”
UAB has partnered with a local aqua-fit instructor to teach the class, which is open to employees, students and community members. Aqua Zumba is free to all Rec Center members and $8 per class for others.
The Rec Center also is offering an Adult Learn to Swim class this semester. The class is $50 for Rec Center members and $80 for non-members and will feature eight 45-minute sessions.
Other non-water programs offered include Dance/Ballet, Interval Training, Latin Dance, Kickboxing, Pilates, Spinning, Swing Dance, Yoga and Zumba. Classes are offered seven days a week, and all are free to members except for the Spinning class.
Other activities, events
The Rec Center recently partnered with Student Involvement to host its first Family Fun Night, which Probert hopes to continue throughout the year.
“We’re trying to have Family Fun Nights every other month,” Probert says. “We’ve done a movie night in the past, but ice skating night was really the first big event, with 144 participants. We’re looking into other ideas, including a magic show and pool parties when it gets warmer.”
Other programs also are available, including Wellness Catering and Massage Therapy.
Campus groups or offices can call the Rec Center to have a staff member present information on any program as part of its Wellness Catering initiative. Programs and activities highlighted can include Outdoor Pursuits, Leave No Trace Training, intramural sports, team-building activities, fitness tips, personal training and nutrition.
Massage therapy also is a new service for Rec Center members. A board-certified therapist who specializes in deep tissue, sports, myofascial release, neuromuscular and myoskeletal therapy is available for 30-, 60- and 90-minute massages. The cost begins at $30 for members. Email fitness@uab.edu or call 936-1078 to schedule an appointment.
Probert says she hopes to continue the Recline and Unwind stress-relieving event for students during finals week this spring. The Exercise Is Medicine program also is expected to return soon. And don’t forget, Campus Recreation has a partnership with Campus Ride to offer free rides to the Rec Center to help you get your workouts in quicker.
“We want to give as many of our faculty, staff and students as possible the opportunity to learn about what we have to offer and how we can help them lead healthier and happier lives,” Probert says.
For more information on these and other Campus Rec Center programs and events, and for information on memberships, visit www.uab.edu/campusreccenter.
