New Year Brings Additional Programs, Opportunities at TAMIU Rec Sports Center

The New Year is traditionally a time to resolve to improve diet and fitness. 

Students returning to Texas A&M International University’s Rec Center this Spring 2021 semester will find new offerings to help them achieve their health and wellness goals.

Roberto Garza, TAMIU director of the Recreational Sports Center, said the Center has organized its expanded offerings under categories of group exercise, outdoor adventures, TAMIU gaming and personal training.

“We found these are the areas that have the greatest interest from our broad community of users: students, faculty, staff, and alumni,” Garza said.

Under Group Exercise, the Rec Center will launch its Virtual Trainer Program while also offering Flex Group Training, he said.

“The Virtual Trainer Program allows us to help Center participants who are not yet comfortable returning to our face-to-face programming. Participants will consult  with a fitness instructor who will help the participant set a goal and baseline.  The instructor will write workouts tailored to the participant’s goals and provide them with a weekly  and supplementary content using videos from our exercise library. Minimal equipment is used and some can be provided to the participant.  We’ll have follow-up consultations every week where alterations will be provided to better personalize the training to the participant’s concerns and goals.

“The Flex Group Training will provide participants with the option to participate in a Group Exercise Program face to face or through a livestream they can view.  If the face to face option is preferred, participants will  reserve their space in advance,” Garza explained.

Outdoor Adventures this semester  will include an Outdoor Boot Camp, biking, running, and other non-competitive outdoor activities that range in difficulty level.

“Our campus and climate are really ideal for outdoor fitness pursuits and such offerings have proven popular, Garza noted.  

TAMIU Gaming will host weekly e-sport gaming tournaments with a variety of games including Play FIFA 20, NBA 2K20, Rocket League, Fortnite and Super Smash Bros, and will livestream three times a week, he said.

“This has proven to be incredibly popular programming here, and we’re happy to be able to support this,” Garza said.

Rec Sports welcomes participants from across the campus community and has partnered with the University’s employee wellness program, HealthyU, to offer a fitness challenge program.

“The Dusty’s Fit Challenge is available to 25 TAMIU full-time staff members and includes dietician insight and free small group training in January with consultation,  assessment and measurements. Sessions are an hour long and can be face to face or online,” he noted.

Garza said the expansion of opportunities this Spring is consistent with Rec Sports’ mission.

“Recreational Sports provides inclusive programming and services for the diverse TAMIU community. We aim to develop an environment in which students achieve their full potential inside and outside the classroom. Extensive programming provides participants with a sense of belonging and community at the University while staying healthy. Furthermore, we seek to deliver various leadership opportunities that prepare students for post-graduate success in a global and diverse society,” he said.

The Rec Center operates in full compliance with all required masking, distancing and gathering restrictions as part of the University’s ongoing  COVID-19 Pandemic response.

For more information, visit the Rec Sports website, or call 956.326.2289.

University offices are open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.