10 Ways to Stay Healthy at UT Austin

Essential Tips for Students

Maintaining good health is crucial for academic success and overall well-being at the University of Texas at Austin. This article aims to provide students with practical tips and resources to help them stay healthy during their time on campus. From dietary recommendations to mental health support, these strategies are designed to foster a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Students can access various campus resources to support their physical and mental health needs. Whether through nutritious eating habits, exercise programs, or mental health services, UT Austin offers a comprehensive array of tools to help students thrive. This guide will explore ten effective ways to promote health and wellness while pursuing academic goals.

1) Join the Gregory Gym

Gregory Gym, located at UT Austin, offers extensive facilities to support an active lifestyle. It includes state-of-the-art equipment like cardio machines, free weights, and functional training areas.

The gym provides various group fitness classes, such as yoga, pilates, and cycling. These classes cater to different fitness levels and preferences, ensuring everyone finds something suitable.

Membership to Gregory Gym includes access to both indoor and outdoor recreational areas. Students can engage in intramural sports, join sport clubs, or participate in outdoor recreation activities.

Gregory Gym's flexible hours accommodate the busy schedules of students. Detailed timings adjust according to the academic calendar and university holidays.

In addition to fitness resources, Gregory Gym offers wellness programs and instructional sessions. These programs educate students on maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

2) Explore Barton Springs Pool

Barton Springs Pool, located in the heart of Austin, is a popular destination for students at UT Austin. This natural spring-fed pool maintains a temperature between 68-70 degrees year-round.

Perfect for swimming or simply cooling off, the three-acre pool offers a refreshing escape from the Texas heat.

The pool is accessible from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, with the exception of Thursdays, when it closes for cleaning from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Outside of these cleaning hours, students can enjoy swimming with lifeguards on duty during most hours.

For those who enjoy early mornings or late evenings, the pool offers free entry from 5-8 a.m. and 9-10 p.m. during lifeguard-free hours.

While the chilly water might be a shock initially, it provides an invigorating experience. Families with children should note that the shallow end is more suitable for younger swimmers and inflatables are limited to this area.

Barton Springs Pool also encourages sustainability and cleanliness, adding to its appeal as a natural oasis. For students looking to blend fitness with relaxation, Barton Springs Pool is an excellent choice.

3) Participate in Intramural Sports

Intramural sports at UT Austin offer a wide range of activities that cater to all levels of athletic ability. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or just looking to try something new, there is something for everyone.

Engaging in these activities provides an excellent way to stay physically active. The Intramural Sports program organizes leagues, tournaments, and special events throughout the year.

Participation in intramural sports also fosters a sense of community. Students can form teams with friends or join as individuals and meet new people. This social aspect can enhance the university experience, creating lasting memories and friendships.

These sports activities emphasize sportsmanship and leadership. By working as part of a team, students can develop valuable skills such as cooperation, communication, and problem-solving.

To get involved, students can contact the Intramural Sports office at UT RecSports. They offer a variety of sports such as soccer, basketball, and volleyball, making it easy to find a sport that interests you.

For more information, students can visit the UT RecSports website or reach out directly. This accessibility ensures that everyone has the opportunity to participate and enjoy the benefits of intramural sports.

4) Take Advantage of the RecSports Tennis Courts

UT Austin's RecSports offers excellent tennis facilities that cater to both beginners and experienced players. The courts provide an opportunity to engage in a fun and physically rewarding sport.

Students can participate in organized tournaments, such as the doubles tournament starting on February 9th, 2024, or the singles tournament beginning March 18th, 2024. These events offer a structured environment to improve skills.

For those looking for casual play, the courts can be reserved for practice sessions or friendly matches. Regular use of the tennis courts can enhance physical fitness, improve cardiovascular health, and increase muscle tone.

With various programs and classes available, including options for different skill levels, tennis at UT Austin is accessible and enjoyable for everyone. The inclusion of pool play matches followed by single-elimination bracket play ensures a competitive and engaging experience.

Playing tennis with friends or fellow students not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also fosters social connections. The commitment to one match per week allows participants to maintain a consistent exercise routine without overwhelming their schedules.

5) Attend a Group Fitness Class

Group fitness classes offer an excellent way to stay motivated and active. UT Austin's Gregory Gym and the Recreational Sports Center provide a variety of options tailored to different fitness levels.

Participants can choose from classes like yoga, pilates, and cycling. These sessions provide structure and the opportunity to work under the guidance of experienced instructors.

Joining a class can also foster a sense of community. Students often find it easier to stay committed when exercising alongside peers who share similar fitness goals.

Additionally, the Fitness/Wellness Program at UT RecSports hosts over 120 weekly TeXercise classes. These include fitness, mind/body, and aqua classes, ensuring diverse choices for every preference.

For those interested in more specialized workouts, there are also group cycling and Pilates reformer classes available. Engaging in varied physical activities can help maintain a balanced fitness routine.

Group fitness classes are typically scheduled throughout the day. This flexibility allows students to integrate exercise into their busy academic schedules conveniently.

Participating in these classes can enhance physical health. Regular exercise aids in maintaining energy levels, improving mood, and boosting overall well-being.

6) Walk or bike the Lady Bird Lake trail

The Lady Bird Lake trail offers a scenic and engaging way to stay active. Located in the heart of Austin, this well-known trail stretches along the Colorado River.

It's suitable for both walking and biking, with wide paths accommodating pedestrians and cyclists. The trail's flat terrain makes it accessible to people of all fitness levels.

Starting near downtown Austin, the trail provides stunning views of the city skyline. Along the way, users can experience various parks and green spaces, enhancing their outdoor exercise routines. Edward Rendon Sr. Metro Park is one notable stop with picturesque inlets of Lady Bird Lake.

The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, another name for this route, is maintained regularly, ensuring a pleasant experience for all. Whether you seek a leisurely stroll or a brisk ride, this trail offers a refreshing way to maintain physical health.

Don't forget that it's a popular spot, so you'll likely encounter other walkers, runners, and cyclists. It's a great opportunity to enjoy the community atmosphere while staying fit.

7) Visit the rock climbing wall

The rock climbing wall at Gregory Gym offers a fantastic way to stay active. It features 2,600 square feet of climbing space suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers. Whether you are looking to try out climbing for the first time or want to challenge yourself, this facility has something for everyone.

Current UT students, students with a Student Summer Membership, and RecSports members can purchase day passes or monthly passes to access the climbing wall. For those not holding memberships, a one-day climbing wall pass is available, though it requires an additional day pass to Gregory Gym.

The climbing wall provides a safe and controlled environment, essential for those new to the sport. Additionally, it's a great venue to meet like-minded individuals and join a growing community of climbers on campus.

For anyone interested in competitive climbing, UT Austin also boasts the Texas Rock Climbing team. This team participates in the Collegiate Climbing Series, offering more seasoned climbers an opportunity to compete and improve their skills.

Climbing is an excellent full-body workout and helps build strength, flexibility, and endurance. It also encourages problem-solving skills and enhances mental focus. Make visiting the climbing wall at Gregory Gym a regular part of your fitness routine.

8) Utilize the SSB Wellness Center

The Longhorn Wellness Center, located at 100 West Dean Keeton in the Student Services Building (SSB 1.106), is a valuable resource for staying healthy at UT Austin. Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., it offers a range of wellness services and resources tailored for students.

Students can access health education, wellness programs, and various workshops designed to promote mental and physical well-being. The center provides information on topics like stress management, nutrition, and healthy lifestyle choices.

The Longhorn Wellness Center also serves as a hub for preventive care. It encourages regular health check-ups and offers programs aimed at preventing illness. Additionally, students can find support for maintaining a balanced lifestyle, which is crucial during the busy college years.

By taking advantage of the services and resources at the SSB Wellness Center, students can significantly improve their overall well-being. It is a key step towards achieving a healthy and productive university experience.

9) Attend the UT Farmer's Market

The UT Farmer's Market is a fantastic opportunity to access fresh, local produce. Taking place every other Wednesday at Jester Plaza, it offers a variety of foods sourced from Texas farms and produce grown in campus gardens.

This market not only provides nutritious options but also supports sustainable practices. Students can find seasonal groceries, breads, honey, and even the famous hibiscus tea by UT Farm Stand.

It’s a great way for students to incorporate healthy eating into their lifestyles. Moreover, the event emphasizes the importance of sustainability and local food sourcing, which aligns with the university’s broader environmental goals.

10) Use UT Night Rides for safe travel

UT Night Rides is an essential service for anyone needing safe transport from the University of Texas at Austin. Available seven days a week, this service operates between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. and uses Lyft to provide rides from the main campus, Pickle Research Center, and Dell Pediatric Research Institute to students' homes.

Students receive up to $100 a month in Lyft credits for these rides, ensuring they don't have to worry about the cost of getting home safely. The locations served by UT Night Rides follow the same routes as the UT Shuttles, covering areas such as West Campus, Far West, Lake Austin, and North Riverside.

Booking a ride through the Lyft app is easy, allowing students to schedule their rides ahead of time if needed. This added layer of safety helps reduce the risks associated with traveling late at night, providing peace of mind for both students and their families.

Using UT Night Rides is a practical step towards maintaining personal safety while enjoying all that UT Austin has to offer. With reliable transport available, students can focus more on their studies and social activities without concerns about safe travel.

Health and Wellness Resources

UT Austin provides a variety of comprehensive health and wellness resources aimed at promoting both physical and mental well-being. These facilities support students in managing their health through medical care, mental health services, and various wellness programs.

University Health Services

University Health Services is an accredited on-campus health care facility offering a broad range of medical services to students. Located centrally, it includes general medicine, specialty clinics, and urgent care.

Services provided include physical therapy, gynecology, nutrition counseling, and sports medicine. Additionally, there's allergy immunization, travel health advice, STI testing, laboratory, and radiology resources available. These services ensure students have access to essential medical care right on campus, helping them maintain and improve their physical health through both preventive care and treatment.

Counseling and Mental Health Center

The Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC) addresses the mental health needs of UT Austin students. They offer individual and group counseling, psychiatric services, and crisis intervention. Their team consists of psychologists, licensed counselors, and psychiatrists, all dedicated to supporting students' mental health.

Programs and workshops are also available to assist students in coping with stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. The CMHC emphasizes a holistic approach, providing education and resources tailored to help students achieve emotional well-being and resilience while balancing academic and personal life.

Physical Activity Opportunities

The University of Texas at Austin provides numerous opportunities for students to stay active, from using state-of-the-art recreational sports facilities to joining various intramural sports programs. These options cater to a wide range of interests and fitness levels, ensuring everyone can find a suitable activity.

Recreational Sports Facilities

UT Austin boasts a variety of recreational sports facilities designed to meet students' diverse needs.

The Gregory Gymnasium offers a full-size basketball court, weight rooms, and a swimming pool, while the Recreational Sports Center features indoor tracks, multi-purpose rooms, and additional weight training equipment.

Students can also access outdoor facilities such as tennis courts, soccer fields, and sand volleyball courts.

Membership to these facilities is included in student fees, and they are open for extended hours, ensuring accessibility for all schedules. Personalized fitness programs and group exercise classes are available, ranging from yoga and pilates to martial arts and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), providing tailored fitness experiences.

Intramural Sports Programs

The intramural sports programs at UT Austin offer students a way to participate in friendly, competitive sports without the time commitment required by varsity athletics.

Available sports include basketball, soccer, flag football, and volleyball. These programs promote teamwork, develop leadership skills, and enhance physical fitness.

With various leagues catering to different skill levels, everyone from beginners to seasoned athletes can find a place. Registration is straightforward, and the games are scheduled to fit academic timetables.

Special events, such as tournaments and league championships, provide additional excitement and opportunities for recognition. Students can easily stay active, make new friends, and enjoy a sense of community through intramural sports.

Nutrition and Diet

Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for health and academic performance at UT Austin. Various dining options and counseling services support students in making nutritious choices.

Healthy Dining Options on Campus

UT Austin offers a variety of dining options that cater to diverse dietary needs. The on-campus dining halls provide meals with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products.

Healthier fats like those from vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds are also available. For those who prefer plant-based diets, numerous vegetarian and vegan options can be found across the campus. Dining services continually update their menus to include meals rich in essential nutrients and low in unhealthy fats and sugars.

Students can use the campus dining application to check menus in real-time. This feature helps them make informed meal choices.

Nutrition Counseling Services

UT Austin provides specialized nutrition counseling through various programs and services. The Mindful Eating Program, offered by the University Health Services, includes assessment and referral support for those dealing with food, weight, and body image concerns.

Registered dietitians at UT Health Austin are available for appointments to help develop personalized nutrition plans. These professionals guide students in adopting healthier eating habits and achieving nutritional goals tailored to individual health needs.

Additionally, the HealthPoint Wellness program offers classes like "Get FIT," focusing on nutrition, exercise, and behavior change. This holistic approach ensures students receive comprehensive support to maintain a balanced diet. For UT Select medical plan members, the online Naturally Slim program assists in redefining eating habits without focusing on restrictive diets.