Let's Get Physical... Physical!

Yea. Let's get physical. What kind of physical? I'm talking about running, working out, swimming, dancing, stretching, lifting, punching, everything and anything that has to do with moving your body! Even if your not super into working out, there is something out there for you to get your body moving, and staying healthy! 

Here at York we have a ton of services, and facilities that are here to make it easier to fit in some physical activity into our busy schedules as students!

Tait McKenzie Gym 

This is the go to place for fitness, with a majority of services being housed here! Some of the services they have are:

Fitness Centre: This is 11,000 square foot room you will find 45 cardio machines and 23 selectorized machines and free weights! Access to the fitness centre costs only $15 for the whole year (crazy, I know)! On top of that the hours are amazing because from Mon-Fri it is open 6am-10pm during the school year! For more information click here.

Fitness Centre

Swimming Pool: An awesome 25 metre long swimming pool for your swimming pleasure. There are lane swims usually 3 times during the day (so you can go when is best for you), and don't worry if your not the next Michael Phelps because they divide the swimming pool into different lanes, with each lane being for what speed you go at! It is free to use the swimming pool as a York University student! For times of lane swims click here.

The Tait McKenzie Pool during an event

Basketball, Squash, Tennis Courts: There are 5 North American squash courts, 5 double tennis courts, and 2 basketball courts housed either in the Tait McKenzie Gym, or outside. All these courts are accessible for use during public use time, or when you call in and let them know when you want to use it! There are also baseball diamonds, and outdoor fields that can be used as well, and all the courts are for free as a York University student. For more information on booking a court or field click here.

Fitness Classes: Yoga, Zumba, Muay Thai, Martial Arts, Swimming, Salsa, Pilates, Hip-Hop, and Boot Camp, are just some of the fitness classes you can sign yourself up for! Although not for free, the prices are usually much lower than any where else, and Tait McKendzie does have some free cardio classes. These classes include Cardio Tae Boxing, Cardio Step,  and Total Body Challenge among a few others. For more information on times, and other classes that are offered click here for the recreational guide.


Toronto Track and Field Centre

Inside the Track and Field Centre

This is a go to place for any one who runs and jogs (personally my favourite place to run when the weather isn't great). They have an 8 lane outdoor track and 5 lane indoor track. Access is free for York University students, you just have to print of the list with all your courses, which you can log-in and access here. On top of the tracks there are also jumps, sprint runways, hurdle lane ways, and many other tracks where you will sometimes find professional athletes practising which is pretty cool!


Canlan Ice Centre

One of the most "outstanding arena facilities in North America". With 5 NHL regulation sized ice surfaces, and 1 international sized ice surface, I don't doubt that. Don't worry if you don't play hockey (I don't either), the reason why I'm mentioning this facility is because they do public skating for everyone! You can bring in your own skates, or rent. They also host a "stick and puck" event where you can practise your hockey skills, and they also do an adult shinny! It's only $6 each for one session. For more information click here.

Intramural Sports

Did you know you can play 27 sports throughout the school year for free? Did you also know you don't have to be good at them? At York University we have an Intramural Sports program. The way it works is all 9 colleges compete against each other in 27 sports throughout the year. Every sport is offered in either Tier 1 (more competitive, and more skills required) or Tier 2 (more for fun, no skills required). With so many sports not only do we have all the regular good 'ol sports, but we also have rage dodgeball (dodgeball you play from 10pm-7am) and rock, paper, scissors tournament! It is a lot of fun, and its an awesome, free way to stay active, and play sports or even take up a new sport!

Me and my Rage Dodgball Team!

I didn't play any sports in high school and considered myself very inactive. When I found out about the intramurals I was hesitant to play because I had never played any sports, but luckily some friends persuaded me to come out and play, and I have been playing ever since! Word of advice: do intramurals! You won't regret it! If you are smart enough to listen to me, you'll want to talk to your athletic rep at your college for information on signing up or click here.

Whether you play one intramural sport, or go to the gym every day-  just get physical! It'll make you feel good, help you with stress, and is a great way to get involved. There are also other services that aren't mentioned here, so look around and comment if your looking for something specific!

Until Next Time, I'll be Yorking Around,

Categories: fitness, gym, intramurals, involvement, yorku