2022 LSU Gumbo - Book - Page 79
The UREC opened a new $200,000 outdoor fitness
space this year following a grand opening ceremony. The
2,500-square-foot space features pull-up bars, plyo boxes,
battle ropes and a small storage building with extra workout
equipment like kettlebells, weighted sandbags and mats.
The new space is located behind the pool in the grass
field near the tennis courts and will be open during regular
UREC hours.
“The space out there is roughly 2,500 square feet with
no ceiling height, so we were able to put things outside that
couldn’t conventionally be put inside because of height
constraints,” said Brad Wilson, associate director of UREC
facility and operations.
Construction of the space began two years ago and
was funded through student fees. Wilson said the space is
meant to be consistent with the UREC’s indoor space while
offering the benefits of being outside.
Students don’t have to wear masks while using the space,
but outdoor classes that will be hosted in the space will
require social distancing.
“We’re hopeful it’s attractive to anyone,” Wilson said.
“Fast forwarding to a time when masks aren’t required,
we still want this area to be as attractive as working out
indoors.”
Business junior John Trapp was among the first students
to use the new facility Wednesday. He said he’s looking
forward to not wearing a mask while exercising at the
UREC.
“If you’ve tried to do a squat with a mask on, it’s worse
than anything else,” Trapp said.
The new space will host at least eight classes Monday
through Saturday with about 30 students per class.
Assistant vice president for Student Health and
Wellbeing Dan Bureau oversees the implementation of
health and wellness programs across campus, including the
new space at the UREC.
“This is one more way to help people realize that they
can achieve their goals, their physical wellness goals,
through coming here,” Bureau said.
Bre’una Keeton, assistant director of fitness and wellness
at the UREC, emphasized the “open space” aspect of the
UREC’s outdoor facility.The intent was for students to be
able to create their own workout plan.
“They can pretty much create their own training
program and regime when they’re here,” Keeton said.
With so much open space, yoga classes can be hosted one
day, then calisthenics the next.
Representatives from the UREC, Student Government
and LSU Health and Wellbeing pulled apart a ribbon
during the opening ceremony.
Student Government Vice President Abbie Grace
Milligan says the UREC and Student Government worked
in collaboration during the project.
“We’re grateful that they’re willing to work with us and
listen to us and let us have a say,” Milligan said.
“At the end of the day, here at UREC, we want to foster
active, healthy lifestyles,” Keeton said. “It’s not just how you
feel in the moment but it’s how you feel when you leave
LSU.”
Photos by Dylan Borel
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