The Allegheny River Valley Trail / Photo courtesy of Annika Spitzer
BY ANNIKA SPITZER, CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Are midterm exams stressing you out? Exercise is one of the best ways to improve your mental well-being. Let’s explore different movement options found right here on campus.
Take a hike
With the leaves changing and temperatures dropping, now is the time to explore our trail! The Allegheny River Valley Trail, located behind the tennis courts, is the perfect getaway. You can go with friends or by yourself to explore nature without having to go too far. The loop is roughly a mile long and provides beautiful scenery.
Check Out the Gym
The Sandra A. and William L. Richter Center provides students with weightlifting equipment, cardio machines of all kinds, plenty of basketball courts and a studio that can be used for dancing, stretching and more. Not feeling the weights? That’s OK! The gym also has an indoor track that can be used for walking and running, which proves to be especially useful on rainy days.
Try the Rock Wall
The Richter Center’s rock wall has limited hours but is worth trying out when you get the chance! The rock wall provides a very unique form of exercise that is both physical and mental. Climbing works your entire body but especially improves your wrist and grip strength. This may sound intimidating at first, but climbers of all levels are welcome and encouraged to try. The available times for this particular aspect of the Richter center are 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. on Fridays.
Swim in the Pool
Just because it is getting chilly outside, does not mean you have to stop swimming. The Reilly Center pool is available for students during their open swim hours several days a week. Their hours run 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Sundays. Swimming laps can be a great stress reliever and a fantastic form of movement to switch up your daily routine.
Practice Yoga
Part of the beauty of yoga is its versatility. Yoga can increase your mobility, build strength and improve breathing focus. The Richter Center provides an area available for all students that supplies mirrors and mats. Looking for more direction? YouTube can be your best friend. A simple search can offer you great results and can allow you to cycle through instructors.
Life can be overwhelming, but movement does not have to be. Find what works best and do not be afraid to explore the many options here on campus.
spitzeap22@bonaventure.edu
