As Syracuse University students, we have so many options for recreation and activities, from group fitness, to rock climbing, to weekend adventure trips. Having lots of choices to explore is amazing, but for many students it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. Whether you’re new to fitness and haven’t found an exercise that works for you, or you are new to the Wellness Portal and campus activities, here are some easy tips for getting started.
Wellness Portal, ’Cuse Fit Chat and Fitness Center Orientations
The Wellness Portal is the place to go to explore and browse all of your options if you’re interested in finding a new activity. Anyone looking to get some motivation, decide on wellness goals or find a way to manage stress and become healthier overall should consider registering for a ’Cuse Fit Chat. Register on the Wellness Portal to have a personalized 30 minute video meeting with experienced Barnes Center staff, completely free to Syracuse University/SUNY ESF campus community members.
If you find yourself more intimidated by trying out equipment and becoming familiar with campus facilities and offerings, a great place to start is registering for the Fitness Center Orientation. This free orientation includes an hour-long introduction to all of the equipment and highlights of the Barnes Center with a qualified personal trainer, who can answer all your questions about the gym and help you feel more confident trying the facilities out on your own!
Group Fitness, Personal Training and Adventure Trips
You might have heard of yoga or kickboxing classes that are offered at the Barnes Center, but if you haven’t participated yet, try looking over all the types of workouts and specialty classes that you could be a part of. On the Wellness Portal, you can sign up for group fitness classes including cycling, bootcamp fitness, kickboxing and strength training (all free!). Check out the schedule here, and make sure to take a look at the specialty themed classes, which currently highlights the “Lift and EmpoWer: Women on Weights Series.” Finding a class that fits your schedule is a great way to find a style of training that works for you, whether you love the group fitness environment or just need an instructor to show you the basics and inspire your own workouts.
A personal trainer can be an incredibly valuable helper in your journey to become more active and learn what workout is good for you. After purchasing one of the personal training packages, you’ll fill out a form to be paired with a qualified trainer who will assess your goals and more. If using equipment, choosing exercises, practicing form or understanding training principles are things holding you back, a personal trainer is a great resource to consider.
If exercising in the gym isn’t your thing, check out the “Adventure Trips” section of the Wellness Portal to sign up for a hike, try zip-lining, go rock climbing and more.
Stop By the Barnes Center at The Arch
A great way to take your first step toward participating in more activity is to start exploring gym facilities. Just walking through the fitness floors to see the equipment or hopping on an elliptical to try it out will let you become familiar with the gym setup and make it much easier to decide where you’d like to start. Check out the pool, weight room, climbing wall, indoor track or cardio machines whenever they’re open.
Make the Most of Campus
For some people, working out and getting more active is difficult because they don’t know where to start. For others, a busy schedule and not having time for a standard workout might be what’s holding them back. If this is something you struggle with, start by adding some small changes and making your normal day more active.
Increasing your movement in any way can have big benefits; try walking to class instead of taking the bus, taking a few laps around the Quad while you have your coffee instead of sitting at a table, and try making a habit of stretching for a few minutes after class or when you’ve been hunched over your desk studying for a while. Even just standing instead of sitting for a few hours a day can make a difference in your health.
Listen to Yourself
Most importantly, the key to getting more active and finding a workout that works for you is listening to yourself. If you tried weightlifting and it wasn’t enjoyable for you, switch it up and give Zumba a try! If the treadmill isn’t your thing, try swimming a few laps instead. If going to a group fitness class isn’t something that sounds fun to you, add a 20-minute walk to your day after lunch. Discovering which workout works for you will happen by exploring your options, trying new things, and choosing a sustainable way to get more active that doesn’t feel like a chore. Start small, and go from there— Syracuse University has an activity that will work for you, you just have to find it!
Written By Grace Tucker ’23, Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics