As the temperate plummets, so does the motivation to exercise. Not just that, but during the winter the ability to partake in outdoor activity without freezing is near impossible when you live in Wisconsin. However, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse provides many opportunities that allow students to stay active, inside and out, during the cold months. 

One of the best options available is to join a fitness class. The REC Center offers over 20 different group fitness classes including cardio kickboxing, yoga, synergy, cycle and core, Pilates, and more.  

In fact, all group fitness classes are now half off until the end of the semester. Classes are scheduled Monday through Thursday with different times throughout the day. You can find more information including class descriptions and meeting times on the REC website. 

A lesser known option to stay active this winter is to take a winter trip. The Outdoor Connection is the perfect place to go if students are interested in planned activities and trips outside. Outdoor Connection also offers trips over winter and spring break that students can sign up for.  

From canoeing in Rio Grande to dog sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in the Boundary Waters; The Outdoor Connection provides once in some life time trip opportunities while also offering weekend or day trips around the La Crosse area. 

If a winter trip isn’t in your budget when the snow arrives, Outdoor Connection still has you covered. There, students and the public can rent cross country skis, snowshoes, airboards, sleds, toboggans, and ice skates. All winter gear ranges from $2-$8 for students and $3-$12 for the public. 

After winter break, third quarter activities kick off with new intramural sports students can register for. These activities include; 4’s volleyball, basketball, wiffleball, bag toss, futsal, and more.  

Each activity is a 5-week regular season match-up against different UWL student teams. After the regular season, eligible teams face off in playoffs where students compete for intramural champion status and a highly prized Intramural Champion tee shirt. For the full list of Intramural Sports offered, click here. 

Another activity to try is visiting UWL’s Climbing Wall. The Climbing Wall, located in the REC, simulates a variety of rock formations to provide students a fun and unique mental and physical challenge. In addition, the Climbing Wall also offers four different classes students can sign up for that help students at all levels improve their climbing skills. For open hours and class details click here.  

Though winter is here, it does not mean you have to put on any winter weight. There is a plethora of activities offered to you on campus to stay active and have fun. Since it feels like it’s winter nine months out of the year in this state, you might as well find some new winter hobbies while you’re here.