DIRECTIONS/
PARKING

Need directions? Parking information? Please view our parking and directions information page.


RESERVATIONS

To view or search the schedule of events in the Gymnasium, please use EMS.


ON-LINE
SUGGESTION
BOX

We want to make your experience at the Recreation Center the best it can be. If you have a comment or suggestion, you can submit them using our On-Line Suggestion Box.


REC CENTER
LIST-SERVS

Stay on top of Rec Center happenings; join one of the listservs we have available:
ROPE
Aquatics
Fitness


SPECIALTY PROGRAMS


CHECK BACK SOON FOR FALL 2007


Looking for other ways to stay in shape? Currently, Fitness Programs is offering:


Pilates Ball

Dates and Times:


What is Pilates with a Stability Ball?

The stability ball adds a new dimension to your Pilates mat workout. Having to continuously utilize the deep core muscles to balance on the ball will increase body alignment, coordination, and muscular control. The goals of mat Pilates—to lengthen and strengthen muscles, to improve posture and balance, to utilize breathing for concentration and facilitation, and to create stamina and energy—are enhanced through the use of the stability ball.


This class is recommended for individuals who have taken a minimum of 25 mat classes, are familiar with the various mat exercises and understand how to use the core muscles as stabilizers. The class is not recommended for beginners or individuals with injuries and/or disabilities that may limit their movement capabilities.


Registration information:

To register, please visit the Rec Center Administration offices on the second floor of the gymnasium, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.


You can also sign up by sending your payment along with your name and contact information (please note that it's for Pilates with a Ball) to:
Heather Thompson
Assistant Director for Fitness
Recreation Center - MS-523
6100 Main St.
Houston, TX 77005


Mat Pilates, Level II/III

Dates and Times:


What is Level II/III?

This class is for intermediate to advanced pilates participants. Increasingly challenging exercises are introduced throughout the duration of this course. This class will follow the classic form of the Pilates method. This is an up to tempo class and is physically challenging. As the tempo increases, stamina improves as does flexibility and strength. The class is not recommended for beginners or individuals with injuries and/or disabilities that may limit their movement capabilities.


Registration information:

To register, please visit the Rec Center Administration offices on the second floor of the gymnasium, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.


You can also sign up by sending your payment along with your name and contact information (please note that it's for Mat Pilates) to:
Heather Thompson
Assistant Director for Fitness
Recreation Center - MS-523
6100 Main St.
Houston, TX 77005


FITNESS EDGE: BOOT CAMP

What is Boot Camp?

This class will push you to your limits--and force your body to change. These fast and furious workouts are all you need to get into the best shape of your life. This is the real deal.


Fitness Edge Boot Camp is a results-driven conditioning program. It is conducted in an indoor/outdoor environment, utilizing a military-style format, coupled with the most progressive, innovative, and creative exercises in fitness.


Boot Camp workouts include, but are not limited to, cardiovascular, speed and endurance, partner resistance, strength training, dumbbells, barbells, agility ladders and stairs. We expand your fitness horizons with fitness games, group challenges, wheelbarrow races, medicine ball drills, plyometrics, box drills, fartleks, obstacle courses, guerilla drills, and multiple versions of the military standard push-up and sit up!


Instructor: AJ Moore (aka Major Payne)

AJ has been a personal trainer for three years. Her specialties include targeted strength training programs for women and men to improve functional capacity in their daily lives. She can also provide specialized movement and agility programs designed to improve sport performance for any aspiring athlete. In addition, she enjoys working with fitness clients seeking to improve their general physique and fitness.


Summer Session


Registration information:

To register, please visit the Rec Center Administration offices on the second floor of the gymnasium, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.


You can also sign up by sending your payment along with your name and contact information (please note that it's for Boot Camp) to:
Heather Thompson
Assistant Director for Fitness
Recreation Center - MS-523
6100 Main St.
Houston, TX 77005


Tai Chi

Tai Chi combines movement, meditation and breath regulation to enhance the flow of vital energy in the body, improve blood circulation, and enhance immune functions. Tai Chi is one of the most broadly applicable systems of self-care in the world. In China, it is estimated that 200 million people practice Tai Chi everyday.


Summer 2007 Session:


With Tyehao Lu

Registration information:

To register, please visit the Rec Center Administration offices on the second floor of the gymnasium, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.


You can also sign up by sending your payment along with your name and contact information (please note that it's for Tai Chi) to:
Heather Thompson
Assistant Director for Fitness
Recreation Center - MS-523
6100 Main St.
Houston, TX 77005


Introduction to Pilates

Dates and Times:


Class Description

This class will introduce the language of Pilates to beginning students. This class will focus on breathing, identifying the core of support for exercises, and pelvis stabilization. A great start for those that have never practiced the technique of Pilates.


Instructor Bio – Cynthia Edmiston

Cynthia has been teaching Pilates since 2004, first as a substitute and then as a certified instructor, having completed her certification through the PhysicalMind Institute in the fall of 2005. Cynthia’s background includes 25 years of teaching experience in language and linguistics, the completion of 4 university degrees (B.A., M.A., Ph.D.-Linguistics (M.A. & Ph.D. from Rice); M.A.-Teaching EFL/ESL), a 15-year performing career in ballet, and teaching ballet.


Registration Info

Register Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. in the Rec Center Offices, located on the second floor. You may also register by mailing your payment, along with your contact info to:

Heather Thompson
Assistant Director for Fitness
Recreation Center - MS 523
6100 Main Street
Houston, TX 77005


Introduction to Yoga

Dates and Times:


Class Description

The Introduction to Yoga course is a great place for individuals of all ages and fitness levels to start a yoga practice. This course presents a step-by-step introduction to the fundamental yoga postures and breathing practices for a safe and mindful yoga practice. Stretch, strengthen, and release tension while developing concentration and awareness in a supportive, safe environment. No experience or flexibility required!


Instructor Bio – Rhia Perkins

Rhia Perkins, M.Ed, has been teaching hatha yoga since 2002. Using meditation, integrated breath and movement, her teaching focuses on building strength, flexibility and grace while connecting to the internal and spiritual aspects of yoga. In Rhia's classes, you'll find a supportive environment for growth, discovery, and joy. Music, dance, yoga, and deep reflection have been a source of tremendous inspiration for Rhia and she feels fortunate to have the opportunity to share this gift with others. Teaching is her favorite thing to do! She is certified by 8 Limbs Yoga Centers in Seattle and Santa Barbara Yoga Center. Her greatest influences include yoga master Erich Schiffman, Anne Phyfe Palmer, nature, and ordinary (extraordinary!) Life itself.


Registration Info

Register Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. in the Rec Center Offices, located on the second floor. You may also register by mailing your payment, along with your contact info to:

Heather Thompson
Assistant Director for Fitness
Recreation Center - MS 523
6100 Main Street
Houston, TX 77005


Introduction to Vinyasa Flow

Dates and Times:


Class Description

Let your mind surrender to the movement of the body with a meditative, flowing yoga practice. Vinyasa Flow links yoga postures into a creative sequence combining breath and movement to promote heat, flexibility, balance, and grace. This introduction series will reinforce basic principals of Hatha Yoga including alignment, meditation, and deep stretching, while exploring transitions, creativity, and moving awareness.


Instructor Bio – Rhia Perkins

Rhia Perkins, M.Ed, has been teaching hatha yoga since 2002. Using meditation, integrated breath and movement, her teaching focuses on building strength, flexibility and grace while connecting to the internal and spiritual aspects of yoga. In Rhia's classes, you'll find a supportive environment for growth, discovery, and joy. Music, dance, yoga, and deep reflection have been a source of tremendous inspiration for Rhia and she feels fortunate to have the opportunity to share this gift with others. Teaching is her favorite thing to do! She is certified by 8 Limbs Yoga Centers in Seattle and Santa Barbara Yoga Center. Her greatest influences include yoga master Erich Schiffman, Anne Phyfe Palmer, nature, and ordinary (extraordinary!) Life itself.


Registration Info

Register Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. in the Rec Center Offices, located on the second floor. You may also register by mailing your payment, along with your contact info to:

Heather Thompson
Assistant Director for Fitness
Recreation Center - MS 523
6100 Main Street
Houston, TX 77005


Cardio Jazz

Dates and Times:


What is Cardio Jazz?
These powerfully fun and effective workouts will lift your spirits and strengthen your heart, muscles and core. Cardio Jazz is an introduction to Jazz dance movement, it includes simple dance steps in a fast-paced fashion to get you moving. You’ll get a healthy dose of cardio, strength and stretch moves and finish up feeling energized and refreshed. You don't have to be a dancer to have fun taking Cardio Jazz! This class is open to all levels.


Instructor Bio: Sarah Niewola
Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Sarah earned her BFA in dance from Belhaven College in Jackson, MS. She moved to Texas in 2002, dancing with Ad Deum Dance Company and teaching at the Houston Metropolitan Dance Center. She is certified in Mat Pilates and on staff at the Houston City Club, Trotter Family YMCA, and joined Rice University in January of 2007.


Registration information:

To register, please visit the Rec Center Administration offices on the second floor of the gymnasium, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.


You can also sign up by sending your payment along with your name and contact information (please note that it's for Tai Chi) to:
Heather Thompson
Assistant Director for Fitness
Recreation Center - MS-523
6100 Main St.
Houston, TX 77005


WOMEN ON WEIGHTS (W.O.W.)

CLOSED FOR THE SUMMER SESSION

Dates and Times:


Class Description:
This "women only" class will educate women on the purpose and importance of strength training. We will cover proper strength training techniques, correct body alignment and various formats for strength training programs.


By introducing resistance exercise into your workout, you not only increase your fitness level, you improve your overall health. These health benefits include a reduced risk of coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, obesity and diabetes. If you want to realize your goals and reach your full potential why not take that first step and enroll in the Women on Weights program!


Instructor Bio:
Heather Rousell graduated with a B.S. in Kinesiology with a concentration in Fitness Studies from Louisiana State University in 2005. She holds a certification from ACSM as a Health Fitness Instructor.


Heather specializes in strength-training programs for women and older adults. She also has extensive experience improving functional capacity with special populations such as; people with arthritis, heart disease, asthma, knee/hip replacements and injuries.


Couch Potato to Jumping Bean

Dates and Times:


Class Description:
Does your sofa have a permanent groove where you sit? Are the only exercises you're familiar with include the couch slouch combined with the remote control thumb press? If you answered yes to these questions, you are in danger of becoming the worst vegetable of all--the couch potato.


Living a sedentary lifestyle increases your risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and of course, obesity. In addition to posing a health risk, being inactive also lowers the quality of your life. The good news is you can reclaim your good health.


The Couch Potato to Jumping Bean Program is great for beginners, intermediate and advanced participants alike. In the Couch Potato to Jumping Bean Program you will: