Whether you’re looking for a PE class to fill out your degree or want to build a skill with some structured exercise, the UO course catalog has plenty to discover. Here are some PE & Rec recs straight from my personal experience.
I’ve found taking classes with a friend is a great way to bond and start mastering a new hobby or passion. It’s also a fun way to get out and meet folks with similar interests. Don’t forget that you can take classes for no credit by communicating with the instructor, often for less than $100.
Bouldering
Bouldering 1 is one of the most popular rec classes among UO Students. It helped me step up my game as a climber with biweekly classes which were as fun as they were challenging. I had plenty of experience hitting the wall with my friends for a casual workout before taking the class, but I didn’t know just how much I had to learn about form and technique. You’ll learn to harness your balance and strength on the wall from instructor Andreas Rosenburg, who has just as much fun as the students teaching the class!
Beginner & Intermediate Yoga
Whether you’re a certified grade A beefcake or a busy student in need of a breather, chances are that you aren’t stretching nearly enough. Yoga is one of the world’s most widely appreciated ways of conditioning your body and mind with over 5,000 years of history, and that’s partly thanks to its accessibility to newcomers. If you’re feeling overwhelmed picking a rec class, you can’t go wrong with beginner yoga.
Salsa & other dance classes
The most unforgettable class I’ve taken at UO was Salsa. Taught by the ever-affable Florabelle Moses, Salsa relieved my jam-packed schedule by loosening my hips two mornings a week to a mix of Latin grooves sure to boost your mojo. While ever-popular Hip-Hop classes are quick to fill up term after term, Salsa delivers a low-stakes, positive, and friendly atmosphere that, combined with Latin melodies makes for a party of movement that will get even the least capable dancers off the wall.
Vinyasa Flow Yoga
Hands-down most healing class I’ve taken, Vinyasa Flow Yoga, is sure to nourish your soul and occasionally push you to your limits. The constant motion of Vinyasa Yoga will activate muscles you didn’t know you had and leave you feeling brand new. While this class left very few of my chakras closed, it is worth noting that you should have some prior yoga experience before showing up with your mat.
If you don’t see anything that interests you from my picks, check out the course catalog. They have all types of options including martial arts, backpacking, pickleball, and more!
