Between classes, work, and personal responsibilities, college life can be demanding for students. At Methodist University, Campus Recreation & Wellness supports students not only through physical activity but through a range of programs and spaces that help students stay sharp, slow down, and reset.
Between classes, work, and personal responsibilities, college life can be demanding for students. At Methodist University, Campus Recreation & Wellness supports students not only through physical activity but through a range of programs and spaces that help students stay sharp, slow down, and reset.
Focus on Wellness
Student wellness at MU is supported through all departments on campus. Campus Recreation & Wellness breaks down its focus into three main areas: physical wellness, social connection, and mental and emotional wellness. Together, these areas create opportunities for students to care for themselves in ways that feel realistic and accessible to them.
“We cover a few different aspects of the wellness wheel,” said Cynthia Reyes, director of Campus Recreation & Wellness. “Campus Recreation & Wellness is a space for anybody.”
Physical Wellness
Physical wellness is the most notable part of the Campus Recreation & Wellness program. Through the Nimocks Fitness Center on campus, MU’s community of students, faculty, staff, and alumni, have access to group fitness classes, recreational opportunities, and intramural and club sports designed for those with or without prior experience or athletic backgrounds.
These resources help Monarchs stay active, eliminate stress, and build confidence in a supportive environment. For students who may feel unsure about where to start, staff are available to help.
“A lot of students aren’t sure how to work out on their own, and that can be intimidating,” said Reyes. “We always encourage students to come talk to us so we can help them figure out what feels comfortable.”
Social Connection
Social connection is another component of student wellness. For students wanting to connect beyond their usual social circles, there are engaging opportunities across majors, teams, and backgrounds through intramurals, recreational events, and social events.
Spaces such as the Wellness Lounge in Pearce Hall provide social wellness in a low-pressure environment where students can study, relax, watch television, play video games, or take a break between classes. The lounge is home to game nights, arts and crafts nights, and themed events.
“These are on-campus social events,” Reyes said. “They give students who may not be into the party lifestyle a place to still socialize, meet new people, and feel like they belong.”
Mental & Emotional Wellness
Support for mental and emotional wellness is the third area of focus for Campus Rec and includes initiatives designed to help students manage stress, recharge, and reset to develop healthy habits that may balance them out throughout the year.
“Our overall goal is to meet the holistic needs of our students,” said T.J. Gill, assistant director of intramural sports and adjunct instructor in Social Work. “It doesn’t always have to be physical. If we can meet students mentally, we’ll do that. If we can meet them spiritually, we’ll do that. And if it’s beyond us, we make sure they’re connected to the right resources across campus.”
These efforts complement resources available through The Well (which is in West Hall and houses MU’s Health & Counseling Services) and reinforce the importance of prioritizing mental health as part of the overall student wellness.
Feel Good Fridays
One of the department’s signature wellness initiatives is Feel Good Friday, a monthly event (held in multiple locations across campus) open to all students. Feel Good Fridays are designed to give students an intentional pause.
Each event varies from activities focused on relaxation, creativity, and stress relief, to just grabbing something good to eat. Recent Feel-Good Fridays have included aromatherapy bars, in which students create personalized essential oil rollers, free massages, crafts, and visits from a therapy dog. Activities that offer students the chance to decompress and boost those “feel-good” hormones. Departments on campus are invited to sponsor Feel Good Fridays, host a table, share resources, and give out prizes for students.
A Space for Everyone
Whether students are looking to be active, social, creative, or simply take a break, Campus Recreation & Wellness aims to provide a welcoming environment for all.
For more information on Health & Wellness at MU, to include Campus Recreation, Health & Counseling Services, Nimocks Fitness Center, and more, visit methodist.edu/health-wellness.