WHETHER YOU ARE TRYING TO BUILD MUSCLE, WIN YOUR FIRST INTRAMURAL CHAMPION T-SHIRT, OR CASUALLY SWIM AT THE POOL ON A SUNDAY WINTER NIGHT, THE UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA FITNESS AND RECREATION HAS IT ALL
If you’re a student trying to get gains, keep your heart healthy with some cardio, or clear your mind with a long study break, the U of O campus has a lot to offer for all things fitness. The recreation program offers a wide range of drop-in activities, including but not limited to swimming, basketball, racquet sports, martial arts and group fitness.
The drop-in activities are a great way to stay active and socialize with others, but please prepare if you drop-in for basketball runs because it can get extremely competitive. These activities are included in your tuition costs and can be accessed by scanning your student card. Since they are open to all students, employees, and external members, they require no registration beforehand.
The U of O recreational facilities
The two primary recreational facilities at the University of Ottawa are Montpetit Hall and the Minto Sports Complex. Montpetit Hall is best known for its accessibility from the University Centre and the Morisset Library via the passerelle. The facility hosts three gymnasiums, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a fitness center, a martial arts room, a dance studio, and saunas located in the changing rooms.
Alternatively, at the lower end of campus sits the Minto Sports Complex. This facility hosts two ice rinks, an outdoor multi-sports field with FIFA two-Star certification, and two international-sized squash courts. Notably, the building also features the 8,000 square feet Health and Lifestyle Centre: where the gym bros and gals hang out after their final course of the day. Nevertheless, be sure to visit the links for the regular hours of operation so that you aren’t disappointed when you show up to the gym late at night to work out your legs and nobody is there to let you in.
Timing your work out
Keeping in mind those who are trying to maximize their physique to their genetic capacity, while balancing school, a social life, and the six-season, 24-episode show they’ve committed to, there are cases to be made for working out at all times of the day.
Many people will still find themselves at the gym during the busiest hours of the day and have to wait in a queue of three people just to hit triceps on the cables. Taking this into account, if you are someone who likes to be in and out of the gym quickly and prefers a quiet and empty vibe in which you can strictly focus on exercising, I would recommend going between 9 a.m to 1 p.m.
However, if you don’t mind having to wait for your desired machine, and maybe want to run into a friend or two, the best time slot to go would be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m, when people wrap up their classes. Lastly, for the early birds who get their daily fix of worms, getting a workout done and dusted before your 8:30 a.m class is a great feeling, and a phenomenal way to start the day. Although this may be the most efficient and effective way to work out, in practice, most people will be blissfully catching some Z’s before they inevitably skip their 8:30 am class anyway.
The amount of gym goers also depends on the season, it is known that after new years, there is a group that will typically attend the gym more often than not, but will no longer be no later than valentines day.
Registered Activities
There are plenty of registered activities that students can participate in if they want to learn something new or become better at an activity they already enjoy. For aquatic activities, the University of Ottawa offers aquatic lessons that meet all skill levels, or there is a paid registration for a more advanced program offered by Gee-Gees coaches and athletes to take your skills to the next level.
If you love to dance, then you could get your hips to tell the truth with a variety of beginner-level dance classes for free. Taught by experienced instructors and professional dancers, dance styles taught include ballet, contemporary, dancehall, hip-hop, jazz, lyrical, and zumba.
Lastly, if you want to feel energized, active, and strong, then the campus recreation has fitness and wellness programs that are designed to suit your needs. Learn weight training, mixed martial arts, yoga, cycling, and long-distance running to get that heart and mind healthy.
Intramurals
In addition to these registered programs, the University of Ottawa also offers many intramural sports leagues at varying skill levels. For instance, one can opt to join a competitive league if they have multiple years of experience or a recreational league for those trying to enjoy a sport at a casual level. Joining a team is a great way to meet new friends and to enjoy the sports that made up your childhood gym class.
The intramural sports offered include: basketball, dodgeball, flag football, hockey, soccer, spikeball, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, multi-sport leagues, and one-off tournaments. Registration for the fall intramural sports leagues is open now, but spots are filling up quickly, so it may be a good time to take a risk and join a team solo. Click this link to view registration for the fall term.
I hope this brief introduction to the U of O recreation life helps newcomers, as well as those trying to stay fit and healthy while maintaining a high enough GPA to delay unemployment by pursuing grad school.
