For mental and physical health, the Long Beach State Student Recreation and Wellness Center offers a multitude of resources to fit the needs of students.
The SRWC will reopen the open recreation area of the gym at the same time in-person classes are returning on Feb. 7, according to MacRae.
Besides the exercise equipment inside the gym, the SRWC also organizes events and classes that focus on health and wellness for students to participate in, both in-person and online. Director of the SRWC, Maureen MacRae said that mental health and wellness is a campus-wide priority.
“It’s been a proven fact that physical exercise decreases stress levels, anxiety, helps students with better grades, helps them sleep better and relax,” MacRae said. “That’s the same for a lot of our wellness activities.”
Yoga for Mental Health
For those interested in yoga, the SRWC offers several types of yoga classes. Starting Jan. 27, the SRWC will host “Yoga for Mental Health” from 5 to 6 p.m. on Thursdays.
MacRae describes it as a “gentle and restorative” type of yoga. There are several other types of yoga classes available to students as well as Zumba, pilates, spin classes, and more. There are in-person as well as virtual options for these classes.
Meditation and Matcha
The SRWC will host “Meditation and Matcha” from 5 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 15 on the east lawn outside the recreation center. The event will include yoga, meditation, a sound bath, and the opportunity for students to decorate their own mugs while learning about the benefits of combining meditation and tea. The first 20 students to sign up on the SRWC GO app will also receive a free blanket.
Rec Day
A week later, on Feb. 22 at the SRWC, “Rec Day” will take place, and it will include a myriad of activities and games revolving around wellness. This event will also mark the opening of the Shake Smart smoothie shop that will be replacing the Robeks in the recreation center.
A Week to Unwind
In the University Student Union, Beach Balance will host “A Week to Unwind” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 21 through Feb. 25 in room 313. Students can sign up for free 20-minute massage chair sessions and receive a free welcome gift. Students will also be entered into a raffle to win a free massage at the SRWC. There will also be other drop-in wellness activities and opportunities to win different prizes.
Supplies for outdoor activities are available to rent from the SRWC including camping materials like sleeping bags and tents as well as things like surfboards and cold weather gear.
MacRae said that the use of the SRWC is included in the cost of tuition. Even if students aren’t explicitly looking to work out, the SWRC offers activities for everyone.
“This is a very challenging time for everybody, and being proactive to make conscious decisions on working out or joining in a wellness activity is going to help for a person’s mindset,” MacRae said.
More upcoming events hosted by the SRWC and Associated Students Inc. can be found on their online calendar or on the SRWC GO mobile app.