When someone says the word exercise, many of us cringe and have flashbacks to middle school gym class – being forced to run the mile. We would rather do anything other than exercise. Despite these immediate reactions, exercising can be really fun and is a great way to meet new friends and manage stress.
Flagstaff offers many resources for students to make fitness fun.
FIT Classes
NAU students have the opportunity to take a variety of FIT 100 classes during the semester. Not only will you get a good workout, you can even earn an academic credit. These classes are designed for students of all fitness levels and include all kinds of activities from pilates to snowboarding. FIT classes are offered each semester and are a great way to try out a new sport or group fitness! It’s too late to sign up this semester, but tack this onto your schedule for the spring.
Group Fitness Classes
Free group fitness classes are offered everyday at the HLC for students. You can head to a group fitness class with some friends after school, or even squeeze a workout in between classes. Group fitness classes are a great way to make new friends and get a good workout! They fill up quickly, so be sure to get there a few minutes early.
NAU Sport Clubs and Intramural Sports
Sport clubs and intramural sports are a great way for students to learn a new sport or brush up on their skills from high school. Students meet up for practice and many teams even travel to compete against other schools throughout the year. NAU has clubs for lacrosse, triathlon, volleyball, and just about any sport you can do. They even offer sports like gymnastics and quidditch! Yes.. QUIDDITCH. Sport clubs are a fun way to get involved on campus.
Buffalo Park
Located about 2.5 miles from the HLC, Buffalo Park has a 2 mile trail (the Nate Avery trail) with an amazing view. You can run or walk along the path and stop every few minutes to use the fitness stations, each with a unique exercise. Whether you go with your friends for a lighthearted competition at the fitness stations or you go for the incredible views, Buffalo Park is the place to be!
FUTS Trail
If you’re new to Flagstaff, you may not know about the FUTS Trail (that’s Flagstaff Urban Trail System). Check out the map and hop on a trail close to campus. Explore on a bike, walk with a friend, or go for a run.
This list doesn’t even cover half of the ways to be active in this amazing town. Flagstaff is very fitness-friendly. Here are a few more: The Thorpe Park tennis courts (and they have lights! Night tennis, anyone?), the Jay Lively Activity Center (ice rink), the local rock climbing gym, and Summit Gymnastics, which has American Ninja Warrior-like equipment. With all of these options, you just might discover that being active isn’t a chore, it’s actually FUN!!
Anna Whitley, UCAN Health Coach