Fitness instructor Pam Dean teaches “Awesome Arms” at the Rec yesterday. The session focused on the upper body and is one of many programs the Rec has to offer.

Credit: Ben Breier

The Student Recreation and Wellness Center is prepared to kick off the fall semester, and things have only gotten better.

Students interested in staying both physically and mentally sharp this fall can stop by the Rec to check out everything from the six new treadmills, new spinning bikes and new Group X (formerly Group Fitness) activities to the classic pick-up games of basketball, 30-minute massages and the always popular, always invigorating Power-Abs workouts.

Open 6 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on the weekend, the Rec has been kept up-to-date over the summer. Six Internet-ready computers, new online activity registration and a new wellness program sign-up kiosk have been introduced to make it easier for students to stay connected to both their lives and the programs within the Rec from wherever they choose.

For those who have not yet experienced everything the Rec has to offer and are looking for an interesting activity to take up, the Rec is offering free demonstrations and classes, beginning with Group X Demo Week Aug. 29 to Sept. 4 and ending with a free climbing wall session on Sept. 21.

Included in the nearly four weeks of free classes are Instructional Program Demos Sept. 6 to 12 and free H2O and spinning classes offered on Sept. 17. A special “Try Pass,” offered by the Rec, allows those who may have missed demo week to try two weeks of a class for $5 before deciding if they’d like to continue with the lessons or opt out of future sessions.

While the variety of free classes and quality instruction should bring out a number of students from all backgrounds, Rec staff member Bob Holub believes certain classes will always be more attractive than others.

“We have a lot of classes to offer, but the Power Abs class is always one of the more popular choices,” Holub said. “Everyone likes to keep their abs in shape.”

For those who gravitate more towards extreme sports, massages or weight loss, the Rec doesn’t disappoint.

On Monday nights, the Rec pool will host a session for kayaking enthusiasts who want to fine tune their stroke or even practice their roll. In the works is a brand new Introduction to Massage workshop, which will teach students the fine art of relaxation. At the Wellness Suite, a take-off of the popular celebrity weight-loss show “The Biggest Loser” will be welcoming teams of up to five people who are looking to lose a few extra pounds after a summer of partying.

For a complete list of all the new activities, online registration, contact information and other programs the Rec will be hosting this fall, visit www.recservices.kent.edu or simply stop by for a helpful introduction to staying fit in fall.

Contact features reporter Dave Yochum at [email protected].