Written by Yurielle Menard/Contributing Writer
With new commitments to promote student body health, FIU celebrates 10 years of the newly renamed, Wellness & Recreation Center.
As part of the University’s Healthier Campus Initiative, the WRC, Student Health Services, Human Resources and Campus Life will host week-long fitness events. Special guest Insanity Max:30 workout instructor, Shaun T, is invited to teach a group class.
“It makes me feel good that we belong to an institution that gives and cares about the health of students,” said Brandon Jackson, a freshman business major.
Yoga and bootcamp-style classes will be held during the week, which starts Wednesday, Sept. 16 to Wednesday, Sept. 23. There will also be an unveiling of the center’s expansion plans by Mark B. Rosenberg, president of the University.
The 60,000+ square foot expansion includes additional facilities and a third floor to the center, according to Robert Frye, WRC director at the Modesto A. Maidique Campus.
Plans include three additional basketball courts, more free weight and cardio areas, matted rooms for sports clubs, a 1/10 mile indoor track and a room dedicated to Spinning.
Ground-breaking is expected spring 2016
“We definitely need more machines. It gets kind of packed,” said David Babooram, a junior computer science major.
The Healthier Campus Initiative is part of the University’s partnership with Partnership for a Healthier America, which associates to the Let’s Move campaign led by First Lady Michelle Obama. FIU was one of the first of 20 universities to join in November 2014.
The universities, including University of Miami, are committed to meet 23 guidelines developed by PHA to create healthier food and physical activity on campus, according to the PHA website. One of the guidelines includes to encourage physical activity through facilities and and programs on campus.
The University will be working closely with Aramark food service, which provides campus dining.
“FIU is the only public university in the State of Florida to participate in the Healthier Campus Initiative,” said Oscar Loynaz, Student Health Services director at the main campus.
Loynaz will be in Washington D.C. Monday, Sept. 21 to discuss healthier practices with companies and other college and university representatives. “FIU joined the Healthier Campus Initiative back in November, but no one knows about it,” Loynaz said.
The initiative will be launched during the eventful week to get the University community to commit to healthier living. There will be a signing sheet for those who want to participate in the challenge. Student Health Services will also be providing fresh fruits and vegetables.
The Biscayne Bay Campus will host its annual Recreation Expo with a workout and a meet and greet with celebrity fitness trainer, Shaun T Wednesday, Sept. 16. There will also be health screenings, nutrition sessions, giveaways and massages.
Shaun T will teach at the main campus Thursday, Sept. 17 from noon to 3 p.m. the day of the center’s unveiling of the expansion.
The WRC will also feature a two and a half hour session called, “Sweat til’ You’re Wet,” Friday, Sept. 18 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. that will consist of four intense 30-minute workout sessions that will conclude in the campus pool.
Additional reporting by Camila Fernandez/News Director
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