Fighting off the freshman fifteen doesnt mean your choices are limited to treadmills and weights.
Best of all, for many students its all free.
That means you probably wont find everything mentioned here at your school.
That said, youll never know until you go investigate yourself.
And some schools, likeAbiline Christian University, have intramural rodeo events.
If youre interested in competing against students from other schools, look intojoining a club sport team.
These types of teams are generally more serious than intramural teams and usually require attending regular practice.
Its like being on a division college sports team, but there are no scholarships or televised tournaments.
Rental equipment isnt just for typical sports, though.
Schools like theUniversity of Mainerent out skis and snowshoes so students can explore theDeMerritt Forest trails.
Universities all over the country have rock walls, and more keep adding them to their fitness centers.
Big schools arent the only ones with rock climbing walls, though.
Smaller schools likeSaint Marys CollegeandSouth Dakota State Universityboast great indoor climbing as well.
Keep a swimsuit in your gym bag so youll always be ready.
Those points can then be redeemed for great prizeslike activewear and gym gear.
Students at the University of Arizona have a similar opportunity with theChallenge Program.
Other schools, like theUniversity of Missouri, have aquatic centers that swap recreation for relaxation.
Many school spas even offer manicures and pedicures too.
If youre craving adventure, many colleges organize outdoor recreation trips through their fitness or wellness centers.
TheUniversity of South Floridaoffers kayaking adventures and trips to various beaches in the area.
Illustration by Sam Woolley.
