As the tail end of summer break nears, here’s your reminder to add these interactive activities—offered exclusively on the University of Miami Coral Gables Campus—to your list of things to do. The academic year can be hectic with classes, studying, exams, and internships. So, before the fall semester begins, take advantage of these fun amenities.
Herbert Wellness Center
Affirming the University’s commitment to a well-rounded educational environment, the Herbert Wellness Center offers fun for everyone—students and faculty and staff members alike. From personal training to intramural sports opportunities, there are many options.
In case you didn’t know, the Department of Wellness and Recreation hosts a wide range of fitness, well-being, and instructional classes to fulfil the needs of both members and non-members.
The indoor facility features a large gymnasium with three full basketball courts that can be transformed to volleyball or badminton courts. A smaller gym, also referred to as Centre Court, features rounded walls outfitted to play floor hockey, indoor soccer, and more. The newly renovated outdoor facility includes four basketball courts, six tennis courts, and five intramural playing fields.
The most popular options among students are the weight room and basketball courts, according to Grace Sanchez, customer service manager of the Herbert Wellness Center. Additionally, she suggests taking advantage of studio cycling, Zumba, or a yoga class during the summer, when class sizes are smaller.
“Not many students know we offer these classes during the summer,” said Sanchez. “To stay up to date about our activities and hours, I recommend eligible community members to subscribe to our email blasts, check out our website, and follow our social media accounts.”
Sanchez also recommends campus community members view the Storm Zone, a state-of-the-art functional training studio with a sled push and a tire flip machine. “We also offer body composition tests and massages for a fee,” she added.
Outdoor Adventures
At no additional cost, students have access to Outdoor Adventures at Lakeside Village. It provides an opportunity to engage in exciting open-air sports including climbing, hiking, diving, paddle boarding, and surfing.
Trey Knight, assistant director in the Department of Wellness and Recreation, points out the most popular area, the climbing wall. Stretching 14 feet tall and 60 feet long with a rotating schedule of changes to the routes, the wall is one of three indoor climbing facilities in South Florida.
No climbing experience is necessary to enjoy the wall. And those willing to give it a shot will be given a short orientation, as well as the equipment that is needed—including climbing shoes—to have a great experience.
Another activity to enjoy this summer is the valuable Group Development program that takes you and a bunch of peers on a specially designed, challenging adventure-based sports circuit—which features a mix of education, discovery, and fun, for team building.
“This program is devoted to building the skills necessary to become a high-functioning team, including trust building, strengthening communication skills, conflict resolution, and more,” said Knight.
Also, it’s important to note that though students have access to activities at no additional costs, “some services such as gear rentals do cost money for outside community members,” according to Knight.
The assistant director noted that there would be upcoming additional offerings in 2023, such as more than a dozen adventure trips and off-campus guided educational programs.
Visit the Outdoor Adventures website for hours of operation, pricing, and additional information.
Whitten University Center (UC) Swimming Pool
What’s summer break without making a splash at the pool? Nestled next to the Lakeside Patio, the Olympic-sized, outdoor UC Pool provides the campus community with one of the most beautiful sceneries on the Coral Gables Campus. It offers short-course lap lanes; a low-board diving area; and a deck where one can relax, study, or sunbathe.
Students and faculty and staff members with a valid ’Cane Card can enter the UC Pool for free. Monthly or daily guest passes for alumni, dependents of faculty or staff members, and community members are available for a fee.
View the UC Pool website to learn more about its policies, memberships, and hours.
