Introduction
Hunter College offers a diverse range of resources and services to enhance the overall health of its students. Among these valuable resources are the Hunter College Fitness Groups and Recreation Center. These services provide Hunter College students with access to fitness classes, open gyms, and weightlifting facilities.
Fitness Classes Catering to Student Needs
The fitness groups are presented as a multifaceted resource catering to the fitness needs of students. The service is designed to promote physical well-being and provide opportunities for students to engage in physical activities that contribute to a healthier lifestyle. These classes include Cardio Spin, Pilates, Yoga, and Tai Chi. The Cardio Spin class is open to all ability levels and provides a challenging cardiovascular workout, while Mat Pilates focuses on enhancing balance and targeting specific muscle groups. The Yoga class offers a combination of relaxation and physical challenge, aimed at improving flexibility and mental centering. Tai Chi, led by an experienced instructor, offers a serene environment for reducing stress, anxiety, and body tension while enhancing flexibility and mental focus. Each class is guided by knowledgeable instructors, ensuring that participants receive tailored guidance and support. Group Fitness Schedules can be found on the B3 level of the west building.
Hunter College Athletics, “Facilities”, https://www.hunter.cuny.edu/reservespace/68th-street-campus/athletics, Accessed 30 September 2023.
Access to Open Gyms and Weightlifting Facilities
The Hunter College Recreation Center, on the other hand, provides students with access to open gyms and weightlifting facilities. The recreation room and open gym can both be found in the basement floor of the North Building. The open gyms and weight room are available everyday during certain times throughout the entire week, with the exception of weekends. This accessibility gives students the ability to incorporate fitness into their schedules, supporting their overall health and comfort.
Hunter College Athletics, “Facilities” 29 January 2018, https://www.hunter.cuny.edu/reservespace/68th-street-campus/athletics, Accessed 30 September 2023.
Convenient Access and Cost-Free Benefits
The utilization of the recreation provides students with access to information and facilities. Students can check class schedules, gym hours, and location details through the official Hunter College athletics website, making it simple to plan their fitness activities around their academic commitments. Importantly, the fitness classes, open gym sessions, and access to the weight room are made available to students free of charge, reducing financial barriers and promoting inclusivity. This cost-free access aligns with the college’s commitment to supporting students’ overall well-being during their academic journey.
Benefits of Hunter College Fitness Groups
Hunter College Fitness Groups serve as a valuable resource that fulfills several needs within the student community. They promote physical health and well-being, addressing the sedentary nature of academic life. Additionally, they offer a sense of community and social connection, allowing students to build relationships beyond the classroom. Not only can participating in this service benefit a student’s physical health, but can also boost a student’s academic performance in a classroom. Studies show that physical activity serves as a natural stress reliever by triggering the release of endorphins, reducing stress, and promoting emotional well-being. This reduction in stress and anxiety can lead to better focus on academic responsibilities. Increased energy and alertness resulting from exercise can enhance classroom participation and information retention. Furthermore, improved sleep quality, often associated with regular physical activity, supports effective learning and memory consolidation.
Barriers to Access
While Hunter College Fitness Groups offer numerous benefits, there are some barriers to access that students may encounter. These barriers include the limited availability of classes during certain time slots, which may not align with every student’s schedule, thus hindering participation. Additionally, as seen in the photograph below, the popularity of the weightlifting gym can lead to overcrowding, making it challenging for students to exercise comfortably and access equipment. Hunter College should consider increasing the space to avoid overcrowding gyms.
Julius Balatbat, Photograph of Hunter College Gym, 2 October 2023
Intended Audience and Tailored Service
The intended audience for the Hunter College fitness groups and recreation center is primarily Hunter College students. These resources are tailored to the interests of the student body, offering an opportunity for students to stay active and prioritize their health amidst their academic pursuits. The fitness programs are designed to align with the unique challenges and schedules of college life, recognizing that students often face time constraints and academic pressures.
Works Cited
Hunter College Athletics, https://www.huntercollegeathletics.com/sports, Accessed 27 September 2023.
Lawrence Robinson, Jeanne Segal, Ph.D. and Melinda Smith, M.A, The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise, https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living, Accessed 27 September 2023.
Anxiety & Depression Association of America, Physical Activity Reduces Stress, https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/other-related-conditions/stress/physical-activity-reduces-st, Accessed 27 September 2023.
Harvard Health Publishing, Exercising to Relax, 7 July 2020, https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/exercising-to-relax, Accessed 27 September 2023.
