Welcome Week at Rutgers Recreation
January 20 - January 31
Welcome to Rutgers Recreation, where EVERYBODY is welcome. Discover wellness opportunities in Fitness, Sport, Adventure Recreation, Aquatics and more! We aim to keep you engaged throughout your Rutgers journey!
Please download the RUREC2GO app to access facility hours per location, the Fitness & Wellness class schedule, program registration, and more!
Please check the daily schedule of the Sonny Werblin Recreation Center, College Ave Gymnasium, Rutgers Fitness Center, Cook/Douglass Recreation Center, and the Livingston Recreation Center. The schedule can be found here.
Check out more Welcome Week programming here.
For Graduate student First Weeks programming: https://graduatestudentlife.rutgers.edu/programs-community/first-weeks-ru-spring-2025
Monday 1/20
Recreation Center Hours (All Facilities): All Facilities open 3:00–9:00 PM
Tuesday 1/21
Recreation Center Hours (All Facilities): Open for Spring Hours:
College Avenue Gym: M-Th 7 AM-11 PM, F 7 AM-9 PM, SA 11 AM-7 PM, SU 11 AM-9 PM
Cook/Douglass Recreation Center: M-Th 8 AM-11 PM, F 8 AM-7 PM, SA 11 AM-7 PM, SU 11 AM-9 PM
Livingston Recreation Center: M-Th 8 AM-11 PM, F 8 AM-7 PM, SA 11 AM-7 PM, SU 11 AM-9 PM
Rutgers Fitness Center @ Easton Ave: M-Th 12 PM-9 PM, F 12 PM-7 PM, SA Closed, SU 3 PM-9 PM
Sonny Werblin Recreation Center: M-Th 7 AM-11 PM, F 7 AM-9 PM, SA 11 AM-7 PM, SU 11 AM-9 PM
Rockwall Opening: 6:00–10:00 PM, College Ave Gym. Experience the vertical world of rock climbing on our 2200 sq—ft. of sculpted terrain at the College Avenue Gym. Come on your own or with a friend. The rock wall staff will set you up with equipment and help you learn the basics of climbing indoors. No previous experience is necessary.
Intramural Registration begins: Basketball, Cricket, Indoor Soccer & Volleyball. Register at rec.rutgers.edu. Registration is open until 1/28. Build a team or register as a free agent.
Fitness and Wellness Classes: Free, drop-in Introductory classes designed to make new participants feel welcome. The schedule can be found on the RUREC2GO app or https://go.rutgers.edu/classschedule.
Exercise Prescriptions from Exercise is Medicine-on campus® 5:00–8:00 PM, Sonny Werblin Recreation Center—free in-person exercise prescription. Meet with a certified personal trainer to discuss how to start meeting the physical activity guidelines. Let us show you through a basic weight training program that can be done at any Rutgers Rec Fitness Center on campus. Register at: https://go.rutgers.edu/recregistration.
Wednesday 1/22
Fitness and Wellness Introductory classes are geared to welcome new participants. Classes are held at the Sonny Werblin Recreation Center, the College Ave Gym, The Cook/Douglass Recreation Center, and the Livingston Recreation Center. All classes are free and drop-in (no registration). The schedule can be found on the RUREC2GO app or https://go.rutgers.edu/classschedule
Thursday, 1/23
Fitness and Wellness Introductory classes are geared to welcome new participants. Classes are held at the Sonny Werblin Recreation Center, the College Ave Gym, The Cook/Douglass Recreation Center, and the Livingston Recreation Center. All classes are free and drop-in (no registration). The schedule can be found on the RUREC2GO app or https://go.rutgers.edu/classschedule.
Log Rolling – 7:00–9:00 PM, Werblin Recreation Center pool. This historical sport is no longer just for lumberjacks; collegiate competitive log rolling is one of the fastest-growing alternative sports in campus recreation. Now, you can try it for yourself with some helpful guidance from the Outdoor Rec staff. Our indoor aquatic center provides the perfect environment to try rolling for the first time and meet others. Free registration at https://go.rutgers.edu/recregistration
Introduction to SPINNING for Graduate Students 5:15-5:50PM, Werblin Recreation Center, Cycle Studio: SPINNING is a non-impact, individually paced, stationary bike- based cardio workout. In this beginner friendly class, the instructor will explain the basics of spinning and teach you to adjust your bike to a proper and comfortable fit. Spinning allows the participant to control the tension and speed to a comfortable level. Free register here: https://go.rutgers.edu/recregistration
Friday, 1/24
Fitness and Wellness Friday: 12:00-6:00PM Sonny Werblin Recreation Center: Spend the afternoon with us as you start or refresh your fitness & wellness journey at Rutgers. All programming will be drop-in and free; no registration is needed. Come for it all or just one or two of the following:
30-minute sample Fitness & wellness classes including Yoga, Pilates, Bodypump™ and Spinning™ (12:00-6:00PM) full schedule can be found on the RUREC2GO app or https://go.rutgers.edu/classschedule
Chair Massage (12:00-5:00PM) Massage Therapy is a quick, effective way to reduce stress and tension by targeting key areas like the neck, shoulders, and back. 10-minute sessions provided by the Recreation massage therapist.
Sample Small Group Training (1:15PM, 2:15PM, 3:15PM) Are you looking to weight train on a weekly basis in a small group (8 or less), come check out our small group training options, free registration here: https://go.rutgers.edu/recregistration
IN-BODY Assessments: 12:00-5:00PM Get your body composition taken to help provide a clearer picture of your health by measuring the percentage of muscle, fat, and other tissues in your body.
Self Defense Class Demo with RUPD: 5:00-5:45PM Join RIPD for an entry level self-defense course that requires no previous martial arts training.
Saturday, 1/25
Intro to Strength Workshop: 10:00–11:00 AM, Werblin Recreation Center, Fitness Center. Werblin. An introduction to the basics of strength training to teach you how to lift weights correctly and effectively. You will learn how to use our strength machines by adjusting them properly and selecting appropriate weights and reps. The fitness center is closed to provide a private learning environment. Free registration at https://go.rutgers.edu/recregistration
Afrobeats Workout with a Dance Therapy Twist: 12:00–2:00 PM, Cook/Douglass Recreation Center, MPR. Join us for an Afrobeat dance workout and explore the eight dimensions of Wellness. Learn the choreography of your favorite artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Ayra Starr, and Tems. No dance experience is needed; all levels are welcome. Sponsored by The ScarletWell grant program. Participants will receive wellness giveaways. Free registration at https://go.rutgers.edu/recregistration
Sunday, 1/26
Hiking Mount Tammany: Meet others and get outside in the fresh air. Mount Tammany in the Delaware Water Gap is by far one of our long-time staff's favorite hikes. This is a shorter hike with good elevation gain and sweeping views of Pennsylvania and the river. The going is rocky, but the views and waterfalls keep us returning repeatedly. Register at https://go.rutgers.edu/recregistration
Monday, 1/27
Glow Dodgeball Event: 7:00–9:00 PM Cook/Douglass Recreation Center. A long-standing tradition revived, play glow-in-the-dark dodgeball on Teams that will consist of 6-10 players who are current Rutgers students. This event is for all residence life students. Registration will begin on 1/21 through residence life.
Spring Semester schedule of daily Fitness & Wellness Classes begins: Free, drop-in classes, arrive 10-15 minutes before the start of class. The full schedule is listed on the RUREC2GO app under fitness & wellness classes. https://go.rutgers.edu/classschedule
Tuesday, 1/28
IN-BODY Body Composition Assessment: 10:00 AM-1:00 PM, Werblin Fitness Center. Get your body composition taken to help provide a clearer picture of your health by measuring the percentage of muscle, fat, and other tissues in your body.
Exercise Prescriptions from Exercise is Medicine-on campus® 5:00–8:00 PM, Sonny Werblin Recreation Center—free in-person exercise prescription sessions sponsored by EIM-OC. Meet with a certified personal trainer to discuss how to start meeting the physical activity guidelines. Let us show you through a basic weight training program that can be done at any Rutgers Rec fitness center on campus. Please register at: https://go.rutgers.edu/recregistration.
Thursday, 1/30
Log Rolling 7:00–9:00 PM, Werblin Recreation Center pool
This historical sport is no longer just for lumberjacks; collegiate competitive log rolling is one of the fastest-growing alternative sports in campus recreation. Now, you can try it for yourself with some helpful guidance from the Outdoor Rec staff. Our indoor aquatic center provides the perfect environment to try rolling for the first time and meet others. Free registration at https://go.rutgers.edu/recregistration
RU SWIM School Event-5:00-7:00PM, Werblin Recreation Center Patio Pool (4.5 feet deep) A free 2-hour swim lesson session to work on water safety skills, basic swim strokes, or to improve current stroke technique with the Rutgers Swim Instructor Staff. Light refreshments will be available. All attendees will receive a coupon code to be used for a reduced rate for Spring 2025 Adult Swim lessons.
Free register at: http://go.rutgers.edu/swim25
Graduate Student Yoga- 5:00 – 6:00PM, Graduate Student Lounge (126 College Avenue)
Graduate Student Yoga is back! Join us on Thursdays to take a break from your busy week by practicing Yoga and relaxing your mind and body with your fellow graduate students. Hosted with the Office of Graduate Student Life. No Registration needed. Yoga mats and blocks are provided, and all skill levels are welcome!
Chair Massage: 12:00-3:00PM Werblin Recreation Center a quick, effective way to reduce stress and tension by targeting key areas like the neck, shoulders, and back. 10-minute sessions provided by the Recreation massage therapist.
Friday, 1/31
Bench Press Club Test Out: 11:00–2:00 PM, Werblin Recreation Center. Challenge yourself by completing eight reps of the bench press at your designated weight percentage: 125% of your body weight for males, 60% for females, and 75% for all gender identities.
T-shirts are awarded to those who complete the challenge.
Ski and Snowboard Trip: 9:00am–6:00 PM. Werblin Recreation Center. Hit the slopes this winter with GO Outdoors! Your ticket price includes an all-access lift pass to every trail on Mountain Creek, as well as rentals, lessons, and transportation right from campus. We depart directly from the Cook Recreation center for a fun-filled Friday of some of the finest skiing/boarding in the state. Register at https://go.rutgers.edu/recregistration
