The Campus Recreation Center at NEIU’s P.E. Complex has five new and classic fitness classes taking place during the Spring 2023 Semester. All of the fitness classes are open to students and community members 18 years and up on a walk-in basis. There is no registration or sign-up required; all you need to do is show up. Furthermore, there is no pressure to show up to each and every fitness session. In other words, you may show up during whichever meeting days and times are convenient for you. The beauty of all activities at the recreation center is that it has been developed for all skill levels, which include novice, intermediate and advanced recreation enthusiasts. 

There is currently one dance class offered weekly which is Zumba. Zumba is a choreographic dance with Columbian vibes and fast motion. 

Functional Strength and Mobility Training is a class that allows participants to gain greater dexterity over their bodily movements, balance and coordination. The added benefit of this dexterous activity is to prevent injury risks during laborious activities. The striking class allows participants to practice and train on punching pads on an opponent in various targeted directions. The spin class allows participants to ride stationary bicycles as a group with various resistance put on the wheels to mimic uphill, flat, and downhill riding. The beginner yoga class allows patrons to learn Vinyasa Style and Meditation. The premise of the yoga class is to focus on paced movements and focused breathing. The Rock Climbing and Bouldering activities offer all students and community members the wonderful opportunity of seeking adventure in a warm gymnasium during the winter months. This adventurous experience is a way for you to jump out of your comfort zone and practice the skills of excitement-seeking outdoorsmen. If you desire to take advantage of your campus recreation fee to make it worth your time and money, rock climbing may just be the most efficient way to complete the task. According to the staff member in charge of rock climbing, Thursday hours are subject to change due to academic classes using the space in the P.E. Complex, and academics will always take priority over extracurricular activities. However, Tuesday and Wednesday hours for rock climbing have been doubly verified.

If fitness activities are not your forté, then feel free to explore the sports activities that are held on a weekly basis. Basketball games, volleyball games and dodgeball games are held weekly for you to engage with teams and showcase your school spirit. These sports are available for all community members and students. However, Boxing Club is only available to students because it is a student organization. The full schedule of fitness activities and sports activities is below, and the activities are offered every week this semester.

With a combination of fitness class activities and sports games, there is a bustling variety of pastimes to play. There are going to be live sports to play and spectate during the semester. Every Monday night starting Feb. 6 at 6:15 p.m., there will be 5 v 5 officiated games, and the first ten players to show up can play in court 3 of the main gymnasium. Tuesday nights have volleyball, and Thursday nights have dodgeball. Spectators are welcome to watch from the sidelines.

There is a Joy & Wellness Kickball Tournament that you must register for with a registration deadline of Feb. 16. The kickball tournament will take place on Friday, April 21 from 12 to 5 p.m. There will be 10 players per team and 10 teams to play.

Intramural Sports will be starting in February, and the sports offerings will be basketball, volleyball, dodgeball and soccer. Details of Intramural Sports will be posted @neiu_intramurals on Instagram.

Editor’s Note: Since this article’s publication there has been one change in the schedule. On Thursdays Rock Climbing and Bouldering will now both be open from 6 to 9p.m. instead of 2:30 to 3:30p.m. and 2:30 to 5:30p.m. respectively.