Lots of options for students to stay active this winter

27 Jan 2015

Two opponents battle it out in the pool playing inner-tube water polo. One tries to defend another throwing the ball to a teammate. — The spring semester brings back innertube water polo, a favorite intramural sport for many students.

Though walks to and from class are speedy to escape that characteristic Virginia Tech chill, it’s often difficult to find ways to stay active and in shape at the beginning of the spring semester.

“Some studies suggest that engagement in recreational activity helps students improve academic performance, develop relationships, build interpersonal skills, and enhance the overall college experience,” said Jeff Feldhaus, Virginia Tech's intramural sports coordinator. “With that said, we challenge students to step outside their comfort zone and try something new.”

The gyms are bursting with those striving to follow through with new year’s resolutions, but for those who simply want to keep moving, Recreational Sports and Student Centers and Activities provide students with countless opportunities.

Serving more than 13,000 participants per year, Virginia Tech boasts one of the most active intramural programs in the country.

“Intramural sports provide an excellent outlet for students to decompress from the rigors of their classwork while competing as a team or as an individual,” said Ben Smith, assistant director of intramural sports and technology liaison.

Registration begins early in the spring semester for intramural favorites that include the ever-famous innertube water polo. From indoor soccer and basketball to darts, horseshoes, and chess, there truly is something for everyone. Registration for individuals or teams, along with important dates and a listing of activities, are available online. Coming this fall, students can participate in Virginia Tech’s newest intramural sport, battleship.

There are more than 100 group exercise classes classes a week, broken into five categories: strength training; cardio training; dance; mind/body; and overall fitness.

“It’s hard to stay active during the winter because of the shorter days and the cold weather,” said Tyler Allin of Richmond, Virginia, a junior majoring in mathematics in the College of Science. “I like going to exercise classes to have more of a structured workout routine and to get away from studying for a while.”

Personal training and small group training are available to learn about fitness and refine exercise routines. Recreational Sports also offers hip-hop and ballet instructional dance classes in a non-competitive setting. Prices and further information are available on the Recreational Sports website.

Going for a swim may not seem like the most appealing option during these chilly winter months, but Virginia Tech’s indoor pools at McComas and War Memorial Halls are heated. Lap and open swim hours are posted online, and adult swim lessons are available for students and employees.

BreakZONE is Virginia Tech’s home of billiards, bowling, and table tennis, offering a relaxing place for friends to gather and have fun. Open seven days a week and located on the first floor of Squires Student Center, BreakZONE also offers specials, including Bowling in the Moonlight on Thursday nights, free bowling on your birthday, Wacky Bowling Wednesday, and Cosmic Bowling.

Featuring numerous gaming systems and nine flat screen televisions, EndZONE is a new lounge located in BreakZONE. If video games aren’t your thing, you and your friends can watch television or even utilize the karaoke system.

Venture Out provides fun, safe, and educational outdoor adventures to students, faculty, staff, and the Blacksburg community. In the early spring semester, Venture Out offers skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing trips, along with caving adventures.

As the weather warms, more opportunities will surface for students to discover all the New River Valley has to offer. Students can register for trips at the Venture Out website. Trips include transportation, experienced outdoor leadership, and necessary safety instruction. In addition to organized trips, Venture Out also offers quality rental equipment at unbeatable rates for students planning their own trips.

Written by Holly Paulette.