Achieve your goals to be happier and healthier in 2020 by discovering an activity at Western Oregon University’s Peter Courtney Health and Wellness Center, also known as the Courtney Center.
“Exercise and physical activities can increase energy, reduce depression, anxiety and stress, create a positive mood, increase self-esteem and confidence, improve sleep, and support cognitive processes,” Campus Recreation Assistant Director Zachary Hammerle said.
Full-time WOU students are automatically members of the Courtney Center. Online or dual-enrolled students, and WOU employees can purchase a daily pass or term membership. It costs $108 per term for fall, winter and spring, and $105 for summer term.
Hammerle said there’s an activity for everyone’s fitness level. There are two courts for basketball or volleyball, two racquetball courts, an indoor track, weight training equipment, cardio machines, rock wall and a swimming pool. You also can take classes, checkout equipment, or join an intramural or club team.
“We offer myriad programs in order to facilitate new discoveries and support consistency for participants,” Hammerle said.
Research indicates exercising for at least 30 minutes a day has tremendous health benefits.
“For students, adding an activity in a few times a week like lifting weights, participating in a yoga class, climbing the wall, swimming or playing a sport is a great way to balance your well-being and keep up with the high demands of academics,” Hammerle said.
WOU offers opportunities to explore fitness as a lifelong commitment. The Courtney Center is a safe place to spend time with friends or meet new friends, have fun and stay healthy, Hammerle said.
“Overall, wellness is important, and finding a balance between studying, work, life and exercise can help boost mental health,” Hammerle said.
The Courtney Center staff is eager to assist you whether you want to improve your skills or learn a new activity.
Make it a goal in January to stop by the Courtney Center and see what it has to offer you.
- Dive in. The pool is open for year-round aquatic exercise classes, lap and open swim, swim lessons and more. There is a women only swim time. Classes include stand-up paddleboard, water volleyball, Aqua Fit, Hydrosculpt, Aqua Zumba, and lifeguard and water safety.
- Climb the wall. Whether you are a beginner, top-rope climber, boulder or lead climber, there is a 40-foot high by 40-feet wide rock-climbing wall to test your skills.
- Spin, yoga or Zumba? Discover activities you enjoy by taking a class. WOU’s fitness classes are aquatic exercise, meditation, cycling/spin, yoga, Pilates, Zumba and Body Pump.
- Explore the outdoors. WOU’s Outdoor Program organizes adventures for students and staff. If you need gear to go snowshoeing, camping or another activity, Campus Recreation has rental gear.
- Join a team. WOU offers students the opportunity to participate on a club sport or intramural team. A club sport team is competitive and represents the university in intercollegiate competition. Intramural teams compete against other WOU intramural teams. At WOU, the highest level of competition starts with NCAA teams, followed by club and then intramural.
