Recreation Services has something for everyone: discover ways to get involved
Recreation Services exists for all students at the University of Manitoba, but it’s easy for students to finish their entire degree without exploring the programs they offer. Director Tanya Angus is a passionate advocate for student recreation, fitness, and wellness, and encourages students to take advantage of the range of programming.
Angus, who has served in her role for almost two decades, has witnessed generations of students reap the rewards of recreation programming at UM. Speaking to what she enjoys most about supporting this programming, she reflects, “I love seeing students find activities that bring them joy, whether it’s discovering a new passion for yoga, joining an intramural team, or simply making fitness a part of their routine. Recreation is a key part of student life, and fostering a sense of community, inclusivity, and well-being through our programs is incredibly rewarding.”
A core tenet of Recreation Services is that it provides opportunities for all students to engage, and not just seasoned athletes. Different programs can meet students where they are, across a spectrum of experience, interests and time or energy commitments. Angus provides some suggestions to help students giving Recreation Services a try for the first time:
- Start small and explore. You don’t have to come with any previous experience or make a big commitment. Some great entry points are beginner-friendly group fitness classes or recreational sports.
- Find what you enjoy. There’s something for everyone, so look for what piques your interest and try a few options. Different programs like structured classes, solo workouts, or team sports have appeal for different kinds of people and lifestyles.
- Bring a friend. Trying new activities can be easier with a buddy! It’s also a great way to integrate physical activity and social time in your schedule.
- Ask for help. Staff and trainers are here for you and happy to help you find the right opportunities, whether you’re looking for specialized programs or general ways to get more active. You can even start by booking a Strong Start session, which is a half hour timeslot that connects you with a fitness attendant who can discuss your interests and provide a free customized tour. These sessions are free with the sole purpose of setting you up for success.
The benefits of participating in recreation extend far beyond physical fitness. Angus emphasizes that physical activity is especially important for students, saying “it’s about mental health, resilience, and community.” There is a multitude of reasons for students to get active, depending on their personal interests and goals. “Whether a student wants to train for a marathon, relieve stress with a fun game of volleyball, or simply take a break from studying with a group fitness class, we want to provide those opportunities,” describes Angus. Exercise is often one of the first things dropped from routines when life gets busy, despite how integral it is for supporting students in all other areas of wellness and success. By recognizing exercise as a core aspect of student life, rather than an auxiliary activity, students can reap the full benefits. As Angus explains, “Recreation helps students build healthy habits that can stay with them for life. Research also shows that students that are engaged in campus recreation are more likely to graduate and have higher GPAs.”
Recreation programming falls under several categories that serve different purposes. Here’s a basic breakdown:
- Intramural Sports: Fun, recreational leagues where students can compete in sports like basketball, hockey, volleyball, soccer, innertube water polo and more.
- Recreational Clubs: Student-led clubs focused on activities like badminton, climbing, rugby, soccer, synchronized skating, tennis, ultimate, volleyball, and wrestling. (A new dance club is coming this spring, as well!)
- Group Fitness & Wellness Classes: Yoga, HIIT, spin, and other instructor-led classes designed for all fitness levels.
- Personal Training: One-on-one personal training and group training to help you meet all your fitness goals.
- Adult & Community Programs: Open to the broader community, offering dance, martial arts, and recreation programs.
Even within each of these categories, there is a range of different types of activities and sports to explore. Angus and the Recreation Services team are always working to keep up a selection of varied programming that is fun and inclusive. Updates to the program offerings, such as the new Pilates Reformer class coming soon, are always in the works.
Check out the UM Sport and Recreation Online Registration webpage to explore the full list of recreation programs. Programming runs with academic terms, so when students are registered in courses for that term, their cost of membership is included in tuition (some programs require an extra fee, and some are free with membership). Spring registration is coming up next and opens March 27, 2025 at noon. If you are not registered in spring courses but are still a UM student, there is a Student Term Rate membership available for only $150 for an entire four months, so you can continue to be active all season.