By: Nosagiegbon Igiede, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences Well-being Leader

Hello everyone, Sai here! I hope you’re all having a great day. I’m here to talk about physical wellness. 

I think physical activity is such an important topic. Being able to be physically active, regardless of where you are, is something that can be beneficial for a lot of people! Below I’ve listed some on- and off-campus activities you can do in order to maximize cool and unique places to exercise within the Lowell area!

Campus Recreation Center

UMass Lowell’s Campus Recreation Center (CRC) is located on East Campus, next to Fox Hall and the East Campus Garage. This building, as well as the Riverview Fitness Center on South Campus, has amazing opportunities to exercise at any level. Not only are both gyms beginner-friendly, but they also offer opportunities to improve physical wellness for those who may not be comfortable using the gym equipment. For example, the CRC offers classes with  alternative ways to exercise and relieve stress, including yoga, cycling, zumba, pilates, and more. All of these activities are free for UMass Lowell students, so I definitely recommend giving them a shot! Both the classes and the gym require 0 commitment, so if you end up not liking them, that is fine! To learn more about the different programs offered at the CRC, visit this link.

UMass Lowell Kayak Center

Did you know our school has a summer Kayak Center? It is located at the Bellegarde Boathouse, slightly off-campus, but UMass Lowell students are allowed to rent kayaks here (with proper training). All a student has to do is call the center and schedule an appointment in advance. To make a kayak rental or reservation, you can contact the Kayak Center at kayakcenter@uml.edu or 978-934-5690.  

Join On-Campus Organizations

Some UMass Lowell clubs and organizations also engage in off-campus activities. For example, The Indoor Climbing Club goes rock climbing at local gyms. This club offers an amazing opportunity to learn how to rock climb and meet an amazing group of individuals! 

If you join an intramural sports team, you may also have the chance to travel for away games. These teams are ideal for those who don’t want to commit to a full club. They are low-commitment and allow you to play with others based on your skill level in sports like basketball, pickleball, soccer, and more!

Take Walks Around the City

If all of these activities feel overwhelming to you, that is fine! You could also try walking on the track inside the CRC or around campus. Something as small as 5 minutes of physical activity a day can lead to many amazing health benefits, both mentally and physically!

If you want to discuss this topic with me further or simply anything related to your well-being, feel free to come to my office hours. They take place every Monday and Wednesday from 1-3pm in the Health and Social Sciences Building, more specifically the Health Sciences Hub (room 195)! You can also book an appointment with me here. I hope you all have an amazing day!

Until next time,

Sai