Virtual activities from the Rec Center keep campus community active

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Trainer Jessica Viertlboeck creates workout videos for the campus community to help stay active while adhering to stay at home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trainer Jessica Viertlboeck creates workout videos for the campus community to help stay active while adhering to stay at home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although the University of Michigan-Flint is currently conducting most of its business while seated in front of a computer, the Recreation Center has plenty of opportunities for students to remain active and engaged through virtual fitness and wellness activities such as yoga classes, workout videos, and Esports.

"Adapting to the challenges presented by COVID-19 can be both physically and mentally stressful," said Theresa Landis, director of Recreational Services at UM-Flint. "There may be more sitting, less social contact, anxiety about the future, and possibly dealing with your own health issues or those of family and friends."

"We cannot control the changes that have been imposed on us because of the virus, but we can control how we respond. It is more important than ever that we take time each day for physical and mental health," she said.

There are lots of ways to stay active and focus on your personal wellness from home. The Recreation Center hosts the following opportunities to remain active.

Fitness

Take a yoga, Zumba, or other fitness class with a UM-Flint instructor at home through social media. The Rec Center offers workout videos via Facebook (available without an account), and trainer Jessica Viertlboeck is creating a workout of the day posted to the center's Instagram account.

Mindfulness and Meditation

UM-Flint offers several resources for mindfulness and meditation. Take a walk through the forest or a trip to the beach with guided imagery to help you take a virtual vacation, or participate in a free meditation session to relax.

Esports

UM-Flint's Spring intramural sports, including Esports, are already underway, but the Rec Center is also hosting informal Esports gaming between UM-Flint students. Check out the university's Esports Team launching in Fall 2020.

Wellbeing

The UM-Flint Rec Center offers several resources for wellbeing, including the Student Health 101 Newsletter featuring articles and videos about mental, physical, and emotional health. Wellbeing resources include live chats, online museum tours, coloring pages, puzzles, and more.

Contests

Play chess, compete in an online trivia challenge, or engage in other online contests offered each week by the Rec Center.

Outdoors

Check out resources and ideas for staying fit outdoors while adhering to social distancing rules. The Flint area has trails and parks available for walking, running, and biking. Mowing the lawn and doing yard work also are great ways to be physically active.

Lindsay Knake is the Communications Coordinator for the UM-Flint Division of Student Affairs. Contact her with any questions, comments, or ideas about the DSA newsletter, social media, events, and communications.