University will put you through a tough mental exercise. Keeping physically fit is much harder. Whether your local gym is too expensive or there’s just not enough time to get there, UOW’s University Recreation and Aquatic Centre (URAC) will get you moving.

Located in building 13, URAC makes committing to a regular exercise pattern easy. The centre is equipped with a gym, health club, group exercise classes, a 50m Olympic swimming pool, physiotherapy, and cafe services. For those feeling more adventurous, URAC also offers personal training, student-run sports clubs, and lifestyle programs.

Lucy Hunt, URAC marketing and communications manager, says URAC is a comprehensive facility “which covers students’ health, fitness, and social needs.”

“It is the ideal way to clear and energise your mind between University studies,” Hunt said.

1st year Science student Sebastian Cook encourages students to visit URAC

Convenience is a key feature of URAC. Students have access to full change room, shower, and locker facilities, meaning no lost study notes or feeling uncomfortable on your trip home.

Being a student of UOW allows you to gain discounts on all URAC facilities. A student-exclusive three month membership gives you access to the pool, health club, and group exercise classes for only $180. Member rates are also offered for use of facilities such as basketball and squash. This makes URAC both convenient and affordable for students who live far from campus and only want to pay for a session-long membership. URAC’s full list of membership packages may be found here: http://www.urac.com.au/pricelist.html

Sebastian Cook, first year medical and health science student, enjoys taking advantage of what URAC has to offer socially and encourages all students to “definitely consider joining up.”

“For students, like myself, travelling long distances to and from university, fitting in a social life can be a struggle so URAC is the best opportunity to overcome this.”

For more information on URAC and all of the services it offers, visit http://www.urac.com.au/