How UMD students stay active in the winter
By Sandra Smith
December 7, 2023
Photo Credit: Photo by Sam Moghadam Khamseh on Unsplash
The cold months and finals season make it hard for University of Maryland students to find time to be physically active – but many students have found indoor activities they physically benefit from.
UMD offers many indoor activities that promote physical well-being. The University Recreation and Wellness Center has a variety of activities for students to participate in. These include an indoor pool, weight rooms, dance classes and more.
Thomas Bennett, an assistant athletic trainer at RecWell, recommends that all students take the time to experience a new physical activity that’s indoors.
“Yoga, cycling, pilates or group classes are fun and a great way to break up traditional weight training routines,” Bennett said. “Making small changes to your weight training routine is a great way to prevent injuries and provide a new and fun challenge.”
Bennett said the group fitness classes offered at UMD are taught by excellent instructors who encourage and challenge participants while making the class fun.
Zef’rah Ochoa, a sophomore criminology and criminal justice major, feels that her physical health is negatively impacted by the colder months.
To combat this, she participates in dance classes offered by UMD and works out in her dorm.
“Even when you’re at home, you should try to fit a workout in,” Ochoa said. “Staying inside shouldn’t be an incentive to not stay active. It helps us clear our minds and ensure that we are maintaining both our mental and physical health.”
Going to Eppley Recreation Center and running inside has also helped Ochoa stay active during the winter.
Edward Kelly, a sophomore information systems major, works out every day no matter the weather.
Kelly participates in the UMD rock climbing club during the spring and summer, but the university closes its outdoor rock wall in the winter, forcing Kelly to find other ways to stay active.
“They close the club in the winter, so I don’t use any other UMD-related activities to keep me active during the colder months,” he said. “Instead, I work out by going to the gym and lifting weights.”
After a long day of studying, Kelly says he needs to get out of his apartment to stay motivated. He feels that other students should try to do the same.
“Leave your room if you feel insane after doing homework for too long,” Kelly said. “It doesn’t matter where you go, but try to stay active and go outside for a bit.”
Kai Smith, a senior journalism major, also enjoys going to the gym.
“I try to get out to Reckord Armory or Ritchie Coliseum so I can shoot around with some of my friends,” Smith said.
Smith said his mental health improves by engaging in physical activities that include a group of people. Because of a lack of motivation to get outside in the cold, group exercise helps him stay in contact with friends while also being physically active.
With UMD’s ample resources and activities, many students have found at least one activity they enjoy to keep themselves physically active during a time when motivation can be low.
UMD offers many indoor activities that promote physical well-being. The University Recreation and Wellness Center has a variety of activities for students to participate in. These include an indoor pool, weight rooms, dance classes and more.
Thomas Bennett, an assistant athletic trainer at RecWell, recommends that all students take the time to experience a new physical activity that’s indoors.
“Yoga, cycling, pilates or group classes are fun and a great way to break up traditional weight training routines,” Bennett said. “Making small changes to your weight training routine is a great way to prevent injuries and provide a new and fun challenge.”
Bennett said the group fitness classes offered at UMD are taught by excellent instructors who encourage and challenge participants while making the class fun.
Zef’rah Ochoa, a sophomore criminology and criminal justice major, feels that her physical health is negatively impacted by the colder months.
To combat this, she participates in dance classes offered by UMD and works out in her dorm.
“Even when you’re at home, you should try to fit a workout in,” Ochoa said. “Staying inside shouldn’t be an incentive to not stay active. It helps us clear our minds and ensure that we are maintaining both our mental and physical health.”
Going to Eppley Recreation Center and running inside has also helped Ochoa stay active during the winter.
Edward Kelly, a sophomore information systems major, works out every day no matter the weather.
Kelly participates in the UMD rock climbing club during the spring and summer, but the university closes its outdoor rock wall in the winter, forcing Kelly to find other ways to stay active.
“They close the club in the winter, so I don’t use any other UMD-related activities to keep me active during the colder months,” he said. “Instead, I work out by going to the gym and lifting weights.”
After a long day of studying, Kelly says he needs to get out of his apartment to stay motivated. He feels that other students should try to do the same.
“Leave your room if you feel insane after doing homework for too long,” Kelly said. “It doesn’t matter where you go, but try to stay active and go outside for a bit.”
Kai Smith, a senior journalism major, also enjoys going to the gym.
“I try to get out to Reckord Armory or Ritchie Coliseum so I can shoot around with some of my friends,” Smith said.
Smith said his mental health improves by engaging in physical activities that include a group of people. Because of a lack of motivation to get outside in the cold, group exercise helps him stay in contact with friends while also being physically active.
With UMD’s ample resources and activities, many students have found at least one activity they enjoy to keep themselves physically active during a time when motivation can be low.