The other day I set out to investigate bone conduction headphones, a technology popularized in the last year by developers at AfterShokz. It touts an “open ear” system to transmit sound through the skull via vibrations that bypass the eardrum for the bones in the little ear. [More]

We can all relate the workout boost we receive when a good song comes on our MP3 player or over the stereo at the gym. Sometimes it’s hard to imagine a pre-MP3 player workout where most people had nothing to listen to while out running or in the pool. I have to admit, that I’ve used forgetting my iPod as an occasional excuse to skip my run. The inspiration we feel when our favorite songs come up is even supported by research, as there are studies showing up tempo music can make us move faster without noticing the extra work we are doing. Some studies report a 15% increase in endurance in athletes who exercise to music. [More]

If you are in need of a new playlist for working out, then look below for a UREC Fitness Class favorite. It is played during many classes here at the SRC, especially TRX. This playlist is full of both older and newer modern rock songs that will hopefully get you in the mood to work-out! Modern Rock Playlist: Yellow – Coldplay Broadway – Goo Goo Dolls If Your Gone – Matchbox 20 Hanging by a Moment – Lifehouse All the Small Things – Blink 182 Beautiful Day – U2 Higher – Creed Hemorrhage – Fuel With Arms Wide Open – Creed Then the Morning Comes – Smash Mouth I Think God Can Explain – Splender Wonderful – Everclear Enjoy your new playlist and check back next Friday for another featured playlist!

Walking past a fitness class always pumps me up because blasting through the doors is the best mix of exhilarating music pumping out the speakers.  I’ve always wondered how the fitness instructors construct their playlists, are they born musically inclined?  Or are they practiced at creating a wonderful workout environment?  I took to the hallways to find a class that sounded inspiring. It didn’t take long until I heard a playlist I wanted to know more about, it came from a cycling class taught by Cairistiona (Cairisti) Flatley, pictured below. Cairisti joined UREC in July and is currently teaching cycling and Pink Gloves Boxing.  She has been a group fitness instructor for 4 years!  When I asked about her playlist she became very excited, “I believe music is one of the most vital elements for a successful group fitness class,” Cairisti said.  She went on to mention the importance of finding music that moves you while you’re working out. Cairisti said she’s eclectic when it comes time to make a playlist for her fitness class.  “I like to choose some current pop songs, some oldies, some rock, and some of my personal favorites; anything that I think will get people excited and motivated,” Cairisti said.  By doing this she feels there’s a little something for everyone. Preparation is the key to success when it comes to many things in life, and crafting a playlist isn’t any different.  “It takes me at least an hour to design a cycling class and make a playlist,” Cairisti said.  Below is a private playlist she provided me to share with you!  Work songs: Easy Love- MSTRKRFTIf I Was You (OMG)- Far East MovementHere it Goes Again- OK GoSeven Nation Army- The White StripesPause- PitbullYou Make My Dreams Come True- Hall & OatesLonely Boy- The Black KeysRockstar (Jason Nevins Remix)- N*E*R*DHello- Martin Solveig & DragonetteBlackout- Breathe ... [More]

Backyard Bash 2011 is now behind us and I for one was amazed by the number of students that came out to the Student Recreation Center. People came to try some of the activities provided as well as attempted to win a free Time to Play t-shirt. When there is free food involved I always expect a large number of college students to be nearby, but I was really impressed to see how much participation there was at the various booths set up around the SRC backyard. There was a steady stream of students taking part in the IM Sports events, experiencing the Challenge course and, not to mention, the large group playing sand volleyball on the sunny afternoon.  The atmosphere was truly electric for the entire three hour block thanks in part to Z-FUN 106 who was broadcasting live on the radio from the event all day. Now that the bash has come and gone for another year, I think it is important to look back at what came out of the this day in the sun. One thing is for sure, college students are always up for free food and t-shirts. But more importantly, it is truly up to each of us to decide when it is our time to play.  University Recreation provides some opportunities for us to get out and experience new things, but it is up to us to make the effort to get out and play. We won’t always have the temptation of free food to get us up off the couch and enjoy a day in the sun.