Students looking for a break from the books, a good workout or a relaxing game with friends can find a different way to exercise on almost every corner of campus.

ISU Recreation Services offers a variety of programs geared toward busy students, including recreation facilities, outdoor recreation, sport clubs, fitness programs and intramural sports.

Larry Cooney, director of Recreation Services, said his staff operates to benefit its users.

“We serve students, and we want to make sure students receive a quality experience at Iowa State,” he said.

Recreation is a key part of the college experience, Cooney said.

“A quality education includes academics, but also learning outside the classroom,” he said.

The campus recreation facilities in the Lied Recreation Center, Forker Building, Beyer Hall, State Gym and the residence halls are accessible to students, Cooney said.

“We are open 16 to 20 hours a day, so students can utilize the facilities all day,” he said.

About 80 percent of the student population participates in one type of recreation or another, Cooney said.

“There’s something for everyone out there,” he said.

Recreation services also hires students to gain experience working in the field.

Mike Harvey, associate director of Recreation Services, said there are things students might not know about recreation services, such as the range of equipment available for rent.

“We have a full selection of outdoor recreational equipment to plan your own adventure or go on trips with us,” he said.

The outdoor recreation department also plans weekend and extended trips for students, which include cross country skiing, backpacking, sailing, canoeing, climbing, mountain biking and kayaking, Harvey said.

“Students who are looking for a fun, inexpensive spring break trip should look into the options we offer,” he said.

Lynn Spivey, fitness programs coordinator, said Iowa State offers group fitness classes as well as personal training for a minimal cost. Group fitness classes are available to students at no charge and to faculty or staff for $25 a semester.

Fitness programs are beneficial to people who want to lose weight, adopt a new lifestyle, learn how to use the equipment or unwind at the end of the day, Spivey said.

The fitness programs also offer personal training from qualified students in the exercise science field, she said.

“There are many benefits to personal training, including receiving individual attention, setting goals and adopting programs to meet those goals,” Spivey said.

Personal training can help achieve accuracy in an individual’s program, she said.

“Personal trainers will make sure the appropriate weight and correct form are being used, as well as provide motivation,” Spivey said.

Linda Marticke, intramural programs coordinator, said the intramural program provides activities ranging from one-day tournaments to leagues lasting several months.

“The intramural program provides over 50 different sport activities,” she said.

Participation in intramural sports benefits participants in several ways, Marticke said.

“It provides a social activity, something fun to do with friends, a way to meet new people with similar interests, a way to relieve stress and work on fitness,” she said.

It is never too late to get involved in intramurals, Marticke said.

“We have activities spaced throughout the semester,” she said. “For instance, ice hockey, basketball and wrestling are going on right now, but sports like softball won’t be starting until later on.”

Anyone interested in intramurals can stop by State Gym to pick up a free pocket calendar listing all intramural events and sign-up deadlines.