The Pennington Student Activity Center has offered  students, faculty and alumni the opportunity to abstain in a healthy 
lifestyle through many fun and interactive activities, such as Group X classes, massages, free play in the arena and sports.
Recent promotions such as De-Stress at the REC were offered as a  way for students to blow off steam during the week of finals.  Students like the one above participate in various wellness promotions in a safe, social environment to ease the pain of busy exam schedules.
The Lion’s Roar / Collin  Guedon

Most students on campus have been tearfully awaiting the pencil breaking final exams this week. Thanks to the Pennington Student Activity Center, several promotional events offered will ease the pain of many busy exam schedules. 

During finals week, chair massages will be offered for 10 minutes from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. They are first come first serve, but extended times will be posted on the Rec’s social media pages.

“We look to offer massages during exam week at select times and will have Group X classes and free play in the arena during this time,” said Director of Recreational Sports and Wellness Dollie Hebert-Crouch. “The pool will continue to be available during select hours during exam week. Additionally, those interested in working out in the Interval 30 room, our crossfit concept, will be able to do so at no charge during exam week.”

During the previous week, the center also had its own event, De-Stress at the Rec.

De-Stress at the Rec was a free event for students and members of the Rec. It took place on Wednesday, December 2 from 8 a.m. to December 3 at 2 a.m. Free food and drinks were also available.

According to Hebert-Crouch, students had access to a variety of activities such as  the opportunity to exercise by playing different sports, a super smash brothers tournament, Group X classes and grocery or study bingo.

The main goal of the event was to relieve the pressure leading up to finals week and even reliving their childhood with staring contests, rock/paper/scissors competitions and paper football tournaments.

“We hoped that by taking time for themselves to regroup and refocus through participation in our programs that the students will see success on their exams,” said Hebert-Crouch. “You know what they say about all work and no play.”

Graduate student of communication sciences and disorders Katelyn Huval believed that many students could benefit from attending De-Stress at the Rec.

“The different activities were a great way to blow off some energy and steam,” said Huval.

As for the finals week to come, students are looking forward to what the center will have to offer. 

Sophomore nursing major Hailey Specht looks forward to the free massages offered during finals week.

“It’s a stressful week, so I think having activities will de-stress people and let them think about other things,” said Specht.

According to Hebert-Crouch, previous de-stress promotions have been successful. 

“The response has been great,” said Hebert-Crouch.  “We have in excess of 275 people attend our De-Stress event annually.”

Hebert-Crouch hopes that students will come to the support of each other at this stressful time.

“Sometimes we just need to take a deep breath,” said Hebert-Crouch.  “Rec Sports wants to be that deep breath that rejuvenates and provides energy to go forward.”

In the spring, the REC will offer many promotions such as Rec Fest, the Rec Race Series, Intramurals, the Table Tennis Tournament and Pride Café Unplugged.

For more information on other promotional events at the Rec Center, call 985-549-5591.

The Lion’s Roar / Staff Photo