Welcome to The Bench Press newsletter! The Wellness & Recreational Sports Complex has been instrumental in the transformation of campus life since open-ing its doors on August 27, 2007. We take a lot of pride in our facility and feel for-tunate that we have the resources to help you fulfill your recreational needs. We want to continue meeting those needs by expanding our services and programs, ac-quiring the latest exercise equipment, and effectively managing the resources we have. As we move into our seventh year of operation, we will continue to look for better ways of doing things. We will take a good look at what we have accomplished since 2007 and what we want to accom-plish in the future. This newsletter is one step in that direction. Enjoy!

T r av i s H u g H e sDirector of Wellness & Recreational Sports

Message froM the Director

Bench press Newsletter 1

Now you are a college student at UTPA and every-thing in your life seems to be changing as you make your way into “adulthood.” Getting used to your new class schedule and getting involved in cam-pus activities and organizations while managing your time with work or other responsibilities can be a bit overwhelming. So what can you do to be involved, stay active, and relieve some stress? Intra-mural Sports is your answer!

What is Intramural Sports? The Intramural Sports program at UTPA offers an assortment of recre-ational activities for students, faculty, and staff to participate in without needing a certain level of ability or experience in a certain sport. We offer a wide range of activities to choose from including flag football, soccer, dodgeball, beach volleyball, tennis, team handball, ultimate disc, and much more.

Why should you join? Intramurals is a great way to meet new people and probably the best way to stay active and keep off that “Freshmen 15.” Ac-cording to the National Intramural Sports Associa-tion, students involved in campus recreation, com-bined with a balanced schedule, showed greater alertness in classes and enjoyment of their college experience. Intramural sports can provide leader-ship opportunities. Every team needs a captain so this is your chance to take the lead and put a team together.

How do you join? It’s easy! All intramural registra-tions are done online. Go to www.imleagues.com/utpa and select the sport you wish to participate in.

Be Active.Join a Sport.

Y o u ’ v e probably seen

Sergio walking around the WRSC or

even biking around cam-pus. He currently works as a

facility manager for Wellness and Recreational Sports and is easily classi-

fied as one of those who lives a healthy life-style – this wasn’t always the case. Last year Ser-

gio made it his New Year’s Resolution to lose weight and live a healthier life. He lost a total of 55 pounds and

has managed to keep it off. “I wanted to better my life. I did not want to huff and puff walking around campus,” Sergio said. At this time, Sergio had just become employed at the WRSC and was working for Member Services. It was then that he was exposed to how easy it was to live a fit lifestyle. He realized it was all just a matter of getting up and doing it. With this mentality, Sergio committed his time and efforts to fitness and being mindful of what he ate. “I was surrounded by healthy people, working at the rec, it’s kind of what got me to where I am health wise,” he said. How did Sergio lose the weight and shift his life-style? At first he was embarrassed to workout in front of other people, so he started at home with the Insanity six- week program. He eventually worked his way up to working out at the WRSC by taking different group exercise classes and utilizing the machines the facility provides. Once he got the exercise momentum going, his fit-ness schedule became easier to commit to. Sergio made it a point to workout every day. He didn’t let school or work, or not having enough time become an excuse for skipping workouts. As busy as his schedule was, he made time in the late evenings to workout. To this day he has been able to maintain fitness and wellness as a priority in his life. His advice to people that have losing weight as their New Year’s Resolution this year is this: “The only way it will get done is if you just get up and do it!”

Cutting

AwAy

the FAt

S e r g i o P u e n t e ’ s We i g h t l o s s S t o r y

Benchpress Newsletter 3

TRX Pike

TRX ABRouTine

TRX Oblique (WiTh ROTaTiOn):

• Lie on left hip and forearm, with toes in foot cradles under anchor point, legs offset, top leg forward.

• Lift hips into plank position, hold.

• Raise right hand to the ceiling.

• With your right hand, reach down and through the space between your planked body and the floor while rotating your torso in the same direction.

• Perform complete set, then repeat on other arm. Perform 10 reps each side.

• Place feet (toes down) in foot cradles under anchor point, assume plank position on forearms.

• Lift tailbone and bring knees to right elbow.

• Return to start position. Repeat on the left side. 10 reps each side.

• Place feet (toes down) in foot cradles under anchor point, assume plank position.

• Lift tailbone towards the ceiling while maintaining straight legs.

• Return to start position and repeat for 10 reps.

Try the TRX located on the weight room floor on the jungle gym (located in the middle of the weight room). TRX is a suspension trainer that challenges the user to actively engage their core in any and all movements. Try these three core workouts next time you visit us. When performing the exercises it is important to work slowly through each movement focusing on core engagement and controlled movement.

For more exercises for the entire body visit:

Loo king for an AB-M AZIN G core

wo rkou t?

break Your RouTine

TRX Oblique CRunCh:

www.trxtraining.com

STarT

STarT

STarT

F iniSh

FiniSh

FiniSh

It’s that time of the year again, the time for a fresh start. Everyone knows that cliché phrase, “New Year, New You.” So let’s welcome the year with a new set of resolutions and let’s not fall victims to unattained New Year’s resolutions by allowing the Rec to help you achieve your 2014 goals.

We asked you about what New Year’s Resolutions mat-tered to you for this upcoming year by passing out a survey. Based on these results it’s safe to say that a lot of work will be needed to achieve these resolutions. Hear how the Rec provides the perfect outlets to get the results you want:

Exercise Regularly: This year make it a priority to exercise at the Rec. We have a lot to offer! From the vari-ety of cardio machines to our free weight area the Rec has everything you need to meet your fitness goals. Having no time is an excuse of the past. Our hours of operation are:

Monday through Thursday: 6 A.M. – 11 P.M.Friday: 6 A.M.-9 P.M.Saturday: 8 A.M. – 8 P.M. Sunday: 12 P.M. – 7 P.M.

Eat Healthy: It’s a new year and that calls for a fresh diet. Usually when people think of diets they think that it’s necessary to forever ditch junk food and sinful sweets and start eating boring health food. This is not the case. Throughout the semester UTPA’s dietetics students hosts Healthy Cooking 101 sessions in which you learn different recipes that are not only delicious but highly nutritious!

Stop Procrastinating & Have a more balanced life: The Rec isn’t just a place you go to work out, the lounge area on our second floor creates the ambience perfect for studying and prioritizing the import-ant things in your life.

Lose Weight: The best way to start a weight loss

plan would be to visit our Fitness Assessment Center, to see where you stand now and to also keep track of your results. After you are assessed you have the option to be matched with a personal trainer to help guide you through your weight loss journey.

Get a New Job: The Rec is currently the top stu-dent employer on campus. There are many different areas under our facility that you can work for. Whether it’s with member services, group exercise or intramurals, working at the WRSC has its perks. For more information about get-ting a job at the Rec contact Career Services.

Be a Leader: This year is the perfect year to stand out from the crowd. A perfect way to do this is to join in-tramurals and become a team captain. Put your leadership to the test and organize your own team. Think of all the friends and memories you will be responsible for making!

Try Something New: The year 2014 screams, “It’s time for adventure!” Going on an adventure doesn’t mean you have to travel far away. The Rec is home to a 35-foot rock-climbing wall. This wall provides not only a thrilling ex-perience but it is also a full body workout.

Meet New People: Who says you have to work out alone? Make a new friend in one of the many group exer-cise classes that the Rec has to offer. Maybe that girl on the bike next to you in spinning class could be your next BFF, or that one brave guy shaking it in Zumba your next BF! Another thing we found from the surveys we passed out was the most common resolution filled out for “other” was, “relationship.” The Rec could be a good place to meet your next significant other, but we are not to be held liable for any broken hearts!

What are you waiting for? Let’s get started on your 2014 New Year’s Resolutions by paying a visit to the Rec!

Benchpress Newsletter 5

You know that great feeling when you get to the gym ready to work out and you notice that your favorite machine is not being used! As you put on your headphones you walk over to your machine ready for a great workout, you sit down and then you feel it…– your clothes are immediately soaked with sweat from the

previous person! Doesn’t sound so great anymore. You probably start thinking to yourself “what person would do such a thing?” I think we’ve all experienced this

or something similar to it and it just plainly drives us nuts. What about the guy who is texting and will not share the time on the machine or the person

who doesn’t re-rack their weights? Just like we were taught proper table manners as a child, there are certain rules and guidelines everyone

should follow while sharing workout space with others.

Wellness and Recreational Sports provides many tools for you and other students to keep the equipment clean. There are many cleaning stations throughout the weight/cardio areas that hold clean red rags and disinfectant sprays. Grab a clean rag and disinfectant bottle, spray the equipment you are about to use, and then wipe it down. Once you are done with that simply put the now dirty rag in the bucket labeled “dirty rags”. Don’t forget to do the same once you are done!

Now you walk to a different station to do your next exercise and the guy who seems to be working out is doing

nothing but either taking a selfie or posting about working out. This might be a perfect time to ask him nicely if you can join in

– on the workout circuit that is. Sometimes asking someone if they are almost done is not the way to go but maybe asking them

if they are willing to share the machine is the best option to take. Remember this when you are working out and someone asks you to

share the machine.

If everyone follows these steps and guidelines then we can all have a great workout with minimal aggravation. Wellness and Recreational Sports

would like to thank everyone who follows the weight/cardio rules and if you ever see anyone breaking them please feel free to address it to our staff.

K E E P I T C L E A N , P R O P E R , A N D P R O D U C T I v E

Benchpress Newsletter 7

Y i e l d : 4 s e r v i n g s ( s e r v i n g s i ze : 2 s l i ce s ) • Tot a l : 2 0 M i n u te s

CookingLight.com

Calories: 352 • Fat: 13.8g • Saturated fat: 4.8g • Monounsaturated fat: 3.2g Polyunsaturated fat: 3.2g • Protein: 15.8g • Carbohydrate: 40.2g • Fiber: 2g Cholesterol: 24mg • Iron: 2.6mg • Sodium: 643mg • Calcium: 297mg

Preparation1. Preheat broiler to high.2. Place a baking sheet

in oven; heat for 10 minutes.

3. While baking sheet heats, place crust on another baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal. Lightly coat crust with cooking spray. Spread pesto evenly over crust, leaving a 1-inch border; sprinkle mozzarella evenly over pesto. Dollop ricotta, by teaspoonfuls, evenly over mozzarella. Slide crust onto preheated baking sheet, using a spatula as a guide. Broil 5 inches from heat for 5 minutes or until cheese begins to melt. Remove from oven; top evenly with tomatoes, black pepper, and basil. Sprinkle with red pepper, if desired. Cut into 8 slices.

• 1 (10-ounce) Italian cheese-flavored thin pizza crust (such as Boboli)

• 1 teaspoon cornmeal • Cooking spray • 3 tablespoons refrigerated pesto

with basil (such as Buitoni)

Ingredients

NutritionalInformation

Amount per serving

• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded fresh mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese • 1/2 cup sliced small tomatoes

(such as Campari tomatoes) • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper • 1/4 cup small basil leaves • Crushed red pepper (optional)

Photo: John Autry; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross

So you want to throw a party and you don’t know where to begin. There are many questions that are unanswered like “What is the theme?” or “Who am I going to invite?” Before any of that you probably should find a location and boy do we have the place for you! The Wellness and Recreational Sports Complex (WRSC) is a wonderful place to host your next event.

WHaT Type of parTies can be HosTed aT THe Wrsc?Youth and Adult Birthday Parties • Class reunions • Great alternative to bachelor & bachelorette parties Company meetings • Retirement parties Church groups • Lock-in’s / overnight event • Low ropes

The options are endless and we have the facility that caters to most. Whether you want to reserve the pool or just the volleyball pits we allow for multiple areas to be reserved at one time.

THese are your opTions:Pool • Palapa • BBQ pit • Tables and chairs • Sound system • Beach volleyball Basketball Courts • Tennis Softball field • Rock wall • Conference room

Want your guests to eat? Great! You can bring in your own food, get it catered by Sodexo, or BBQ it on site. To book your next event please visit our website at WWW.uTpa.edu/Wellness .

CallingAllParties

NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation, is a significant key to inspiring wellness in local, regional, and global communities. Beginning in 1950 as the National Intramural Association, this profession proves to inspire the development of healthy communities worldwide.

We invite all who are interested in quality programs and services, to take advantage of recreational programming on campus’ locally and across the country. We encourage all to develop the lifelong skills of integrity, collaboration, diversity, and respect.

In good health,

Wellness and RecReational spoRtswww.nirsa.org

Who aRe We?We are collegiate recreation professionals dedicated to developing future leaders fostering lifelong habits of wellbeing. “Leadership, teamwork, dedication, and respect are among many skills exercised by inclusive competition, fitness, and recreation.” Whether you are taking advantage of participating in an intramural sport, a group exercise class, or jogging on a treadmill, recreation centers across the country prove to be a significant part of college life.

What do We do?With the establishment of a recreational facility, comes a variety of programs and services available to a university community. While intramural sports can be viewed as a foundation for recreation, additional programs help complete the full recreation experience: fitness and wellness programming, aquatics, club sports and outdoor recreation. In addition, services provided include memberships, facility rentals and special events, and a main source for student employment on campus.Enjoy the experience.

Homecoming Ad

Show your love for Bronc Country at Homecoming 2014. Make sure to mark your calendars for

February 10-16, 2014 for the weeklong celebration that will bring you back home to remember

the good times and make new memories. Plenty of fun and excitement awaits you with the

Tailgate Party and Class of 1964 50+ Reunion. To be part of the festivities, email the Office of

Alumni Relations at alumni@utpa.edu or call (956) 665-2500.