The University of Minnesota Minneapolis RecWell gym offers students with plenty of options when it comes to working out. Located right next to super-block and around an eight minute walk from Walter library the RecWell is open from Monday through Thursday from 5:45am to 11pm, Friday from 5:45 am to 10pm, Saturday 8am to 9pm and Sunday 9am to 10pm. Included in the gym are fitness centers, a rock climbing gym, gymnasiums, courts and cycling studios but what may be an exciting element are the classes and groups that are located in the gym.
One of the classes offered at the University’s Recwell are cycling classes. The two options are either rhythm cycling or power cycle both with a duration of 45 minutes. The schedule posted on the website allows for students to attend at any of the times provided. Rhythm cycling classes are classes where the class revolves around the tempo and beat of the music being played. This means that during the classes there will be high energy music for cyclists to peddle to and allow for maybe a more entertaining experience. Power cycle on the other hand is based on performance based techniques where the machine will gather data to build training protocols. One thing to note is in order to participate in these classes a pass must be purchased. A student pass is $37 and a staff/faculty member would pay $45 and cycling classes run from January 16th to May 3rd.
One of my personal favorites of the gym is the climbing and bouldering wall that the gym has located downstairs from the main level. A pass is $60 a semester or $35 if purchased mid-way through the semester and a day pass is $15. All gear like harnesses and shoes are included and the price allows for anyone to come and try. Walking into the climbing wall you are met with a few different types of climbing. Bouldering which is free climbing a smaller wall, auto-belay is where you wear a harness and climb a much taller wall and can just fall and the harness and rope will slowly bring you down. On this wall you can also get a belay, lead certification and top rope certification. Lead climbing is when you clip yourself in as you go and have to bring the rope up part by part whereas top rope the rope is already on the route and you just clip yourself in.
Cardio dance is another one of the classes that are offered and a pass must be purchased. The class is open to all levels and is meant to be a fun dance for people to get cardio in while still having fun listening to music. In order to attend this class you must purchase a fitpass pass. The class runs at 6:30pm on Mondays, 7:30 pm on Tuesdays and 5:15pm on Thursdays. Not only is it a great way to get in a cardio workout it can be a mood booster, improve flexibility, lower stress and improve coordination. It’s a great way to meet new people and bond over music and dance.
The RecWell has multiple opportunities for everyone to get involved in their own way to meet people and promote physical/mental health. Not only do they have these classes but have multiple appliances like a pool, rock climbing gym and a track. There are so many different options to fit everyone’s needs. While all the previous options were located in the Minneapolis RecWell the St. Paul center also offers a variety of options many of which are similar to the Minneapolis location.
