Summer means relaxation for most people, but it can also be a time to set fitness goals and relieve stress by taking advantage of your university’s sports and recreation facilities. A quick online search of A&M System universities’ recreational facilities shows that you may have more fitness resources at your disposal than you realize.
Texas A&M University
Employees can purchase memberships to the university’s Rec Center,
which offers state-of-the-art exercise equipment in a climate-controlled
atmosphere. For a nominal charge, they can also take advantage of the center’s
group exercise classes, massage therapy and even duathlon training. The
center also offers extensive outdoor adventure programs and equipment rental.
Texas
A&M University at Galveston
Summers may be quiet at Texas A&M University at Galveston, but the
fall and spring semesters are full of intramural sports opportunities for
employees. Sports include flag football, volleyball, tennis, softball and
innertube water polo.
Texas A&M University-Corpus
Christi
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi offers training in both surfing
and kayaking, two activities that are ideal for employees of “The
Island University.” The university’s rec center also rents
a variety of camping and outdoor gear, and adventure trips are in the works.
As an employee, you also have access to a number of exercise and wellness
classes, and purchasing a program pass gives you use of the university’s
fitness facilities.
Texas A&M
International University
Texas A&M International University has fitness facilities and a wide
array of intramural sports that are open to employees as well as students.
All you need to participate is a staff ID card. Classes include aerobics
and Tae Kwan Do.
Texas A&M
University-Kingsville
The Steinke Physical Education Center has a lot to offer Texas A&M
University-Kingsville employees, including free aerobics and kickboxing
classes, swimming, intramural sports and even bowling. In addition, the
center is in the process of adding outdoor recreational activities.
Texas A&M
University-Commerce
Texas A&M University-Commerce employees can purchase memberships to
the Morris Recreation Center, which has an indoor track, swimming pool,
climbing wall, cardio machines and weights. The center also has an outdoor
adventure division that coordinates paddling, hiking and even fly-fishing
trips.
Prairie View A&M University
The William J. Nicks Gymnasium offers a wide variety of activities for
employees at Prairie View A&M University, including basketball, racquetball
and volleyball.
Tarleton State University
In addition to having access to a weight room in the university’s
student center, Tarleton State University employees can attend a free aerobics
class every weekday at noon. The classes, funded by the university’s
staff council, include regular step aerobics, yoga, kickboxing and Pilates.
For a fee, employees can also attend yoga, Pilates and water aerobics classes
through the intramural sports department.
West
Texas A&M University
West Texas A&M University employees can purchase memberships to the
Virgil Henson Activities Center Rec Center. The membership gives you access
to a variety of fitness classes, including kickboxing, step, yoga and water
aerobics. The center also offers classes in competitive swimming. 
H.E.A.D.s Up is a monthly column that features articles on a wide array of Health, Exercise And Diet issues. Information for these articles is provided by health and wellness professionals from throughout the A&M System. If you have questions or story ideas for this column, email Ruth McMullan.