New Year, New You: Campus resources to help you reach your resolutions

Want to get in shape? Eat healthier? Reduce stress? Whatever your goal is for 2018, UTC can help make it happen.

Get fit at the ARC
Located at the corner of Mabel and East 4th Streets across from McKenzie Arena, the Aquatic and Recreation Center (ARC) is the home of UTC recreation for all current students, faculty, staff and alumni. Housed in more than 100,000 square feet is exercise space, an indoor track, a five-lane swimming pool, rock climbing tower, basketball courts and more.

From hip-hop dance to yoga to BODYPUMP™, ARC offers more than a dozen group fitness classes throughout the year. Classes begin on January 16. For a schedule, click here.

Wanting more personalized attention? Try personal training with one of the ARC’s certified trainers. Individual and small group sessions are available. For more information, click here.

Eat healthier with campus resources
If one of your goals for the new year is to establish better eating habits, check out UTC Smart Eats for more information on nutrition, healthy recipes and more.

Want to brush up on your cooking skills? Learn to make healthy meals with an on-campus cooking class. Led by a registered dietitian, these classes provide hands-on meal preparation and cooking lessons. Previous classes have made meals like black bean burgers and sweet potato fries. The classes are open to current students. Email Carol Oglesby for more information.

Make a visit to the Student Health Center
Located in room 205 in Maclellan Gym, the UTC Student Health Center offers numerous health services to students, including treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, physical exams, screenings, immunizations and lab services.

The center is open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center also offers extended hours on Tuesdays, closing at 7:30 p.m. To make an appointment, call 423-425-2266.

First come, first serve walk-in appointments are available for urgent care on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 – 11:15 a.m. For more information about Student Health, click here.

Schedule a physical therapy appointment
Physical therapy has been shown to reduce pain, improve mobility and flexibility and aid in recovery from an injury. Whether your condition varies from an ankle sprain to a more complex orthopedic condition, you may benefit from physical therapy. The UTC Department of Physical Therapy offers free sessions to students on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call Student Health Services at 423-425-2266 to make an appointment.

Take a walk around campus
Get some exercise and fresh air with the Get on the Right Track walking program. UTC students, faculty and staff can join graduate students in the Department of Health and Human Performance for a walk around campus.

The group meets every Tuesday from 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. at Chamberlain Field in front of Starbucks or at McKenzie Arena if it’s raining. Attend two sessions to receive a free t-shirt and a pedometer after attending a third.

Enjoy quiet time in the University Center
Need a place to meditate, pray or have some quiet time on campus? Head to the recently opened designated quiet area on the first floor of the UC. Located next to the game room, this area has a seating area and a calming atmosphere to encourage quiet reflection.

Take charge of your sexual health
The UTC Healthy Living Initiative has partnered with A Step Ahead to provide long-term, reversible birth control to students. The initiative also provides free condoms, dental dams and pregnancy tests to current UTC students. Visit Carol Oglesby, Assistant Director Health Education and Wellness Promotion, in the University Center, room 147D. For more information on sexual health, check out the e-learning health education series here.

Spend more time outdoors
Spending time in nature can lower stress and improve your mood. UTC offers many ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Interested in camping in a national forest, kayaking on the Hiwassee River or snowboarding on the mountains of North Carolina? Join UTC Outdoors on one of their spring trips. Many of the trips are free for students. Sign up in the UTC Outdoors Center, located on the first floor of the ARC. For more information, click here.

UTC Outdoors also offers low-cost equipment rental to students and ARC members. Rentals include tents, sleeping bags, kayaks, canoes, mountain bikes, snowboards, paddleboards and much more.  Call 423-425-5750 for more information.