PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
The benefits of regular movement are countless – it keeps weight in control, lowers chronic disease risk, strengthens your muscles, keeps your bones strong, and promotes relaxation, better sleep and mood, strong immune function, and more.
Kent State seeks to provide an environment that supports physical activity, rain, snow, or shine. When Ohio weather permits, you can rent a SPIN bike or scooter and/or join a “move” community and get active outside. Recreation and Wellness Services offers an array of services available all year long, including some that you may not know about. You can attend group classes, get one-on-one fitness training, swim, ice skate, and more right here at Kent State. Exercise routines are easier to stick to if you have fun with it! Check out the resources below to learn of opportunities to get moving here on campus, home, and in your community.
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Aquatics Programs - Recreation and Wellness Services
The Beverly J. Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center offers a number of Aquatics programs in the natatorium, including water safety courses, swimming instruction for all ages and levels, children’s learn to swim programs, and water workouts that build cardiovascular fitness. The Kent State Swim Club allows individuals 18 and older to train together and compete in optional swim meets. Custom programs and private lessons are also available.
Contact: Chris Baker
Phone: 330-672-0480
Email: cbaker5@kent.edu
Website: www.kent.edu/recwell/aquatics
Eligible: KSU students, KSU employees, dependents and community
Cost: Costs are dependent on course type and membership status.
Additional Information: All courses are instructed by American Red Cross-certified instructors.
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Be Well Solutions - Employee Wellness
5X’s Department of Employee Wellness and Health Promotion is pleased to partner with Be Well Solutions to enhance our commitment to support and promote the health and well-being of the university community.
All full-time, benefits-eligible employees have the opportunity to participate in a number of resources around nutrition, exercise, emotional balance, being a smart patient….to name a few. In addition, employees have access to a confidential online health risk assessment (HRA), complemented by on-site biometric health screenings offered by Be Well Solutions.
Be Well Solutions will offer telephone, online, and face-to-face health coaching to all benefits-eligible employees. Health coaches can assist individuals in addressing any concerns or risk factors that may have been discovered during their assessment or they may also help with personal wellness-related goals. Examples of this include smoking cessation, developing a 5K training plan or weight management.
Contact: Be Well Solutions
Phone: 216-378-0888
Email: info@bewellsolutions.com
Website:
Eligible: KSU employees
Cost: N/A
Additional Information:
For first-time login, use the following login credentials:
- Username: FlashLine username with first letter moved to the end. (Example: csmith23 = smith23c)
- Password*: The format for your ten-character password is MMMYYXXXXX. (Example: below = APR9065432)
- MMM = the first three UPPER CASE letters of your birth month.
(i.e. April = APR). - YY = the last two digits of your birth year. (i.e. 1990 = 90).
- XXXXX = the last five digits of your 5X (Banner) ID number. (i.e. 898765432 = 65432)
- MMM = the first three UPPER CASE letters of your birth month.
- *You will be prompted to change your password and complete your profile.
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Customized Fitness Programs - Recreation and Wellness Services
Customized programs are private classes or presentations designed for specific groups. Customized programs are ideal for groups wanting private or specialized instruction. They are also great for team building and corporate retreats. Most programs accommodate 40 participants. Each program is 60-75 minutes in length.
Contact: Beth Michel
Phone: 330-672-0475
Email: emichel2@kent.edu
Visit Customized Fitness Programs webpage
Eligible: KSU employees, dependents and community
Cost: Student $40, Member $60, Non-member $75
Additional Information: N/A
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Equipment Issue Desk - Recreation and Wellness Services
Recreational equipment is available to borrow at the Equipment Issue desk, located on the lower level of the SRWC. Any member may borrow equipment by presenting their membership card or FLASHcard. Available equipment includes badminton birdies/racquets, basketballs, soccer balls, ping-pong paddles and balls, racquetball balls and racquets, safety goggles, indoor and outdoor volleyballs, stopwatch, weight belts and more. Disk Golf sets are also available for members to check out for free from the Pro Shop.
Contact: Recreation and Wellness Services
Phone: 330-672-4732
Email: recwell@kent.edu
Eligible: KSU employees, dependents, SRWC Members
Cost: None for SRWC Members
Additional Information: The equipment is to be used in or at the SRWC.
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Facility Rental - Recreation and Wellness Services
The SRWC offers a wide array of facility rentals for on and off campus organizations. Groups may reserve anything from the entire SRWC (after regular hours) to a multipurpose gym, a basketball court, the climbing wall, a studio, seminar rooms, or the natatorium.
Contact: Recreational and Wellness Services
Phone: 330-672-4732
Email: srwcoperations@kent.edu
Eligible: KSU employees, dependents, SRWC Members
Cost: Costs are dependent on rental type, rental length and membership status.
Additional Information: Custom rentals can be negotiated with the SRWC.
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Fitness Consultation - Recreation and Wellness Services
The Fitness Suite, located on the lower level of the SRWC, is an excellent wellness resource. Services include a variety of fitness assessments and prescriptions, registration for SRWC fitness programs, as well as a skilled staff of personal trainers and consultants who can provide expert answers to your questions about personal fitness. Fitness assessments and prescriptions are available to both SRWC members and non-members.
Contact: Beth Michel
Phone: 330-672-0475
Email: emichel2@kent.edu
Eligible: KSU employees, dependents, SRWC Members
Cost: Costs are dependent on service requested and membership status
Additional Information: N/A
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Group X Classes - Recreation and Wellness Services
The Group X program at the SRWC offers a fun, diverse range of drop-in style group exercise classes. Classes include Spinning, Zumba, yoga, TRX, kettlebells, aqua fitness and more!
Contact: Beth Michel
Phone: 330-672-4732
Email: emichel2@kent.edu
Eligible: KSU employees, spouse, SRWC Members.
Cost: See Group X website
Additional Information: Access into the SRWC, as well as a Group X pass, must be purchased in order to attend a Group X class.
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Ice Arena Programs and Public Skating - Recreation and Wellness Services
The Kent State Ice Arena offers a wide range of programs as well as public skating sessions for the community. Learn to Skate and Learn to Play Hockey lessons are available for all ages and skill levels. Public skating sessions are offered throughout the week and are open to the community.
Contact: Ice Arena Guest Services
Phone: 330-672-RINK
Eligible: KSU employees, dependents, SRWC Members
Cost: Cost varies depending on the program
Additional Information: Faculty and staff receive a discounted admission rate for public skating sessions.
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Intramurals and Community Sports - Recreation and Wellness Services
Recreation and Wellness Services offers a number of sport leagues each semester. Intramural sports are open to Kent State students, faculty, staff and their spouses. Typical offerings include flag football, outdoor soccer, volleyball, softball and various tournaments. Recreational Services also offers a volleyball and basketball community league each semester that is open to the public.
Contact: Eli Mallahan
Phone: 330-672-2799
Email: emallaha@kent.edu
Visit Intramural Sports Webpage
Eligible: KSU students, KSU employees, community
Cost: Costs are dependent on the sport and season.
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Move Communities and Maps
This is a unique opportunity for us to build our “move” communities here at 5X. Do you have a walking date and meeting spot you launch from weekly? Have a running or 5K you’re preparing for and looking for a running mate? Are you a rock-climbing enthusiast or have an interest in learning how to rock climb? Perhaps you are a lunchtime stroller, morning swimmer, or bike rider who would welcome and enjoy like individuals. We welcome all “movers” from all campuses to share opportunities to join you. Below you will find groups and individuals that meet regularly and welcome others who may be interested.
As a tool for our movers, we have included a printable map with seven routes ranging from quarter-mile to 3-mile for the Kent campus and have also included a non-marked map for individuals that might like to map their own unique routes and share with our community. If you have a map or community that you would like to add to this page, please email wellness@kent.edu.
We can all help build a healthy campus one “step” at a time.
Kent Campus Opportunities:
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Art Walk Along the Sculpture Mile - Interactive Sculpture Map
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Looking for interested persons for roller skating on nice days at lunchtime. Interested in setting up Wednesday lunch skates on a tennis court, Dix Stadium parking lot, the bike and hike trail from Loop Rd. to Dix Stadium, or something similar. Willing to help teach beginner skaters.
Misty Sommers, mlsommer@kent.edu or 330-672-1888 -
See our online maps and distance guides
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Seven routes ranging from a ¼ mile track to 3-mile walking routes (PDF) (best printed on 11x17 paper)
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Kent State Map (PDF) – create your own routes and share with wellness@kent.edu
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Walking Map Destinations (PDF) - shows miles, steps and time it takes from popular locations around Kent campus.
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Regional Campus Opportunities
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Outdoor Rental Center - Recreation and Wellness Services
The outdoor rental center offers outdoor equipment for rent at reasonable rates to both SRWC members and non-members. Equipment includes camping, kayaking, backpacking and canoeing gear. The Outdoor Rental Center also has a fleet of canoes and kayaks for group rentals.
Contact: Adventure Center
Phone: 330-672-7625
Email: recwell@kent.edu
Visit Outdoor Rental Center webpage
Eligible: KSU students, KSU employees, dependents and community
Cost: Costs are dependent on rental type, rental length, and membership status
Additional Information: Renter must be 18 years old to check out rentals. Reservations can be made up to a month in advance.
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Personal Training - Recreation and Wellness Services
A personal trainer will design and implement a customized exercise program based on the individual’s fitness goals and specific needs.
Contact: Beth Michel
Phone: 330-672-0475
Email: emichel2@kent.edu
SRWC Personal Training Website
Eligible: KSU employees, spouse, community.
Cost: Costs are dependent on course type and membership status.
Additional Information: N/A
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Reformer Pilates - Recreation and Wellness Services
Pilates Reformer machines work the entire body, focusing on the core to create long and lean muscles without adding bulk. Prior mat Pilates experience is suggested, but not necessary.
Contact: Beth Michel
Phone: 330-672-0475
Email: emichel2@kent.edu
Eligible: KSU employees, spouse, community
Cost: $11 for students, $13 for members, $15 for non-members per hour (discounts are available for multiple session packages)
Additional Information: N/A
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Special Events and Races - Recreation and Wellness Services
Recreation and Wellness Services hosts a number of special events, including two annual 5K races, each year. The Bowman Cup 5K Race is offered on Homecoming in the fall while the Black Squirrel 5K Race is offered in early April. In addition to races, the Department also hosts free community events, including open houses and family events.
Contact: Recreation and Wellness Services
Phone: 330-672-4732
Email: recwell@kent.edu
Visit the Special Events webpage
Eligible: KSU employees, dependents, all SRWC members
Cost: Varies per event
Additional Information: N/A
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Spin Bike Share Program - Recreation and Wellness Services
5X has partnered with SPIN to provide shared eBikes and eScooters on campus and within the City of Kent for use by students, faculty, staff, and the community. Approximately 100 eBikes and 100 eScooters are available
Spin Customer Support:
- Phone: 1-888-262-5189 to leave a message for our support team
- URL:
- App item: Navigate to the menu button in the upper right corner and click "Contact Support"
Eligible: KSU students, KSU employees, dependents and community
Cost: See webpage
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Teambuilding - Recreation and Wellness Services
Teambuilding can help any group improve teamwork and communication skills, as well as serve as a welcome retreat from stress. Challenges range from games and trust exercises to low and high-challenge courses where groups work together to accomplish goals. Teambuilding programs are available to all university organizations.
Contact: Chris Lukas
Phone: 330-672-2803
Email: clukas@kent.edu
Eligible: KSU employees, spouse, child dependents, non-profit, corporate organizations.
Cost: Costs are dependent on group size, group type, and program desired.
Additional Information: N/A