For those who bore easily on the treadmill, tire of the crowds at RIMAC and cringe at the thought of ever having to do cardio and weights at the gym, maybe it’s time that you found a new way to exercise. Although finding something new that works for you may sound daunting, UCSD’s recreational classes, which are offered quarterly and at a low cost, provide a way to explore the different types of fitness opportunities and activities that are offered around our university — allowing you to find the form of exercise that you really love.
-By Monica McGill, Staff Writer
Aerial Silk Acrobatics
By Brittney Lu, Staff Writer
Location: Main Gym – West Balcony
Price: $30
Rating: 3/5
Difficulty: 5/5
Not for the faint of heart, this challenging and exhilarating recreational opportunity is either for those who already have a circus background or are avid adrenaline junkies. While the class is particularly intimidating, especially if an introductory beginner’s course includes a “stag spin” mid-air, the patient and supportive instructors help guide and push your abilities to “manipulate the silks.” And just a side note — you are thrown into inverted aerial positions that may or may not double as a chiropractor session. Essentially, unless you are willing to participate in unimaginable contortions with only a piece of fabric as support, it’s advisable to leave this activity to the Cirque du Soleil family.
Archery
By Yulin Liu, Staff Writer
Location: Archery range, located on East Campus across from Thornton Hospital
Price: $30
Rating: 4.5/5
Difficulty: 3/5
The Beginning Archery course is an entertaining and goal-driven activity. It introduces the basics of the National Training System, the official certified shooting method here in the U.S. During practice, the coach blows a whistle, and the students either stand on the line to shoot or fetch the arrows from the targets — a great system to keep everybody safe. Bows, arrows and cuffs are provided. The class is fun and low pressure. Highly recommended!
Golf
By Yulin Liu, Staff Writer
Location: Sorrento Canyon Driving Range
Price: $63
Rating: 4/5
Difficulty: 4/5
At the beginning of each session, Coach Mike Wydra gathers all of the students and introduces golfing theories and poses. Then he gives each student a three-minute individual coaching session. Every participant is provided with a basket of golf balls.For those who have not spent much time out on the golf course, it is very hard to keep the swing movement consistent, but don’t worry — you can take as much time as you need to practice.
Pitfall: While the golf balls are provided for, students have to bring their own sets of golf clubs.
East Coast Swing, Lindy & Jitterbug
By Christian Gella, Staff Writer
Location: RIMAC Activity Room 2
Price: $34
Rating: 4/5
Difficulty: 1/5
Willing to dabble in a social dance? Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing and Jitterbug’s emphasis on working with different partners may be perfect for those wanting to meet new people or break out of their shell. In this class, you’ll be switching pairs every few minutes while practicing new, rhythmic dance moves of three similar-yet-distinct dance styles in coordination with your partner. There are even Lindy Hop social events every Saturday at Perks Coffee Shop (and at dance clubs in the vicinity) to help supplement the lessons and form lasting connections amongst people who share a passion for dance.
Off Campus Recreation
Horseback Riding
Location: 14287 Clarkview Ln.
San Diego, CA 92130
Rating: 4.5
Difficulty: 3.5/5
Price: First three one-hour lessons at $85
Website:http://www.silverspurridingschool.com/
At Sunset Horse Ranch, Silver Spur Riding School provides horseback riding lessons. The horse ranch — pleasant and idyllic — offers a decent residence for a number of well-trained horses. The trainers are great at keeping their new students safe, so don’t worry too much if you are completely new at this. At the start of each one-hour session, students begin by walking their designated horses out of their stables and brushing them. Calling all horse-lovers, this is an intimate bonding and friendship building experience.
Pitfall: They don’t have the cleanest restroom in the world…
Contact Liz at 760-815-7299 to reserve your preferred hours — spots fill up quickly!
