Racquetball as a fun fitness regimine

This week I have decided to take advantage of the California State University, Northridge (CSUN) Student Recreation Center's (SRC) open recreation racquetball court. I wanted to get in there before summer begins because at the end of this semester I will not be enrolled in classes and will lose the ability to utilize the gym on campus.

Keep in mind that unless you are enrolled in at least one unit over the summer you cannot use the SRC without having to buy a summer membership. The cost for a student membership over the summer (for a student not enrolled in any courses) is $78. For all other rates please click here.

On Thursday my friend and I will check out the racquetball court at the SRC and take a swing at playing the game. Now, neither of us has ever played before so it is a good idea if you are also a beginner to watch a tutorial on how to play.

The SRC makes it easy for those who want to try out the sport. Everything is available at the front desk of the SRC for check-out, so you do not need to come prepared with any equipment of your own.

As long as the room is available, once you have all of the proper equipment you can use the court for play. The court is located on the second floor of the SRC and is surrounded by three walls for play and one wall of glass for those who would like to watch. If you have an audience they can sit outside of the court on the benches and enjoy the game. Just make sure they pick up all of their belongings after!

If there are others occupying the room when you get to the court, do not be discouraged. The SRC has a policy of one game up to 10 points if others are waiting to utilize the space for play.

Make sure you check out all of the features the SRC offers before time is too late and you have to give in to paying those membership fees!

Matador Nights will be at California State University, Northridge once again

On Friday, April 27, California State University, Northridge (CSUN) will once again be hosting the Matador Nights from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the University Student Union (USU). Admission is free to students who want to come and partake in the night of Alice in Wonderland themed entertainment.

"Matador Nights is a large scale, late night event for CSUN students, consisting of carnival rides, attractions, games, activities, free food and live entertainment," Shanell Tyus, events manager for the USU, said in an e-mail.

This year, AMP Radio 97.1 FM and D.J. Kid Capri will be mixing beats all night long for the Matador Nights attendees to enjoy.

Activities will include cosmic flamingo golf, zip lining, karaoke, a casino, a tea party and rides all with the theme of Alice in Wonderland. If you feel yourself getting tired during these activities in the late night, stop by the oxygen bar that will be there for a burst of fresh air.

Although the CSUN Student Recreation Center (SRC) will not be utilized for any of the event activities, the facility will have shortened hours that day so USU employees and volunteers can set-up. The SRC will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Let's get this event trending so more of the CSUN community can come out and enjoy this free event. Use #MatadorNights on Twitter to get fellow CSUN friends in the know.

Tickets are available for non-CSUN community members as well and can be purchased prior to the event. For more information on Matador Nights visit the USU's webpage.    

Walk this way!

Beautiful yellow flowers along Agoura Road in Agoura Hills.

City of Agoura Hills and the wonderful sidewalks along Agoura Road.

View of mountains from Agoura Road in Agoura Hills.

So for this blog on health and fitness I wanted to switch things up a little bit and talk about one of my favorite ways to exercise, walking!

Every week my roommate and I venture out into our neighborhood and walk at least two miles after we get home from work. Today I was on my own and decided to do the walking route solo. My destination, the Agoura Hills Public Library. Unfortunately it was closed and found myself extending my walk (by about two more miles) to the Westlake Village Public Library. This turned out to be a way to burn even more calories and get some reading material for the week.

I find that it has been really helpful to have a walking destination and the library is a wonderful incentive since I have to return the books I've checked out anyway. It is a sort of reminder each week to walk and continue reading, two things I find very important for a healthy body and mind.  

Not only does walking burn calories, but you get to exercise outside. Today posed as the perfect walking weather as well. Check out just how many calories you burn walking per one mile based on your body weight.

I think it is especially important for those of us who are full-time employees and students, spending almost all of the day indoors, to incorporate some outdoor activity into a fitness regimen. Being outside just brings an entirely different experience to working out. Just in my two-hour walk today, I came across budding flowers, squirrels, bees (could have done without those) and gorgeous butterflies (which I absolutely love).

Try and find a friend to be your walking buddy. Not only does picking a weekly destination make walking more on your to-do list, but finding a friend who will encourage you to keep it up as well. 

Check out this site for all things walking to enhance your experience and get the most burn for your walk!  Happy walking! 

Climb your way to fitness success

Looking for a new fitness routine that uses your entire body? How about a workout that also incorporates your mind? Well, indoor rock climbing poses as a wonderful way to get your outer body and inner mind into shape.

Luckily, students at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) now have a rock climbing experience right under their nose. An indoor rock climbing wall was incorporated in the building of the new Student Recreation Center (SRC) at the San Fernando Valley campus.

Located at the entrance of the facility is the three-story high rock climbing wall. At 44 feet one is able to climb with all of the equipment, and even shoes, available for checkout by the SRC. So you can just come to the gym if you are a registered member and start climbing!

However, if a climbing staff member is not present at the desired time of climb then you must have completed the climbing wall safety orientation in order to scale solo. There SRC has a complete set of guidelines for using the wall.

Belaying refers to using ropes and harnesses, but you don’t have to be completely knowledgeable of the terms and best climbing moves in order to start your ascend. The staff at the SRC is equipped to train even those who have never used the ropes before or the wall. Beginners are definitely welcome. 

Check out essential tips for before, after and during rock climbing. It is important to take care of your body even after your workout has ended. Make sure you let your body have some rest after using a rock climbing wall and replenish yourself with plenty of water and complex carbohydrates.