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The mission of the NIRSA Natural High is to encourage participants to achieve their peak performance mentally, physically, and socially by offering positive, healthy alternative programming within the supportive environment of recreational sports.

The NIRSA Natural High is designed to offer healthy and other alternatives to alcohol and drug use by incorporating fitness and wellness into your life-style. NIRSA Natural High will promote healthy lifestyles by providing alternatives to negative societal pressures, by teaching participants how to incorporate health and wellness information into their lives. This can be achieved through lectures, sport activities, and fitness/wellness programs.

The University of Connecticut's Department of Recreational Services is proud of it's commitment to educate our community about healthy lifestyles through the NIRSA Natural High Program. This unique, proactive approach to healthy lifestyle alternatives integrates the development of innovative awareness programs with recreational sports.

Fall 2009 Natural High Brochure Page 1

 

Workout 101
Wednesday, September 9th
6:00pm–8:00pm
Student Recreation Facility, 2nd Floor

This program is for anyone who wants to know the fundamentals of a safe and well– rounded workout routine. Learn the proper techniques for using fitness equipment and build a workout that will help you reach your fitness goals. Certified Personal Trainers will be on hand to help with any equipment related questions and workout advice. Choose from sample routines that can help you get started in the right direction. Valid SRF membership is required to enter the facility. Proper workout attire is required to participate.

 

REC On The Run Week
September 14th – 18th
One Mile Monday 6:00pm
Two Mile Tuesday 6:00pm
Through the Woods Wednesday 6:00pm
Three Mile Thursday 6:00pmv
Four Mile Friday 3:00pm
All Runs Meet on the SRF Front Lawn

Recreational Services is on the run this week to highlight the fun and safe running/walking loops to be found around campus. Bring a friend or just your iPod. We will start and finish all runs at the SRF and choose a running route for the days distance. On Wednesday we will lead an approximate three mile trail run that ventures through the woods behind Horse Barn Hill. Any student that completes at least six miles with us during the week will get a free “I Got REC’D” t-shirt!

 

 

 

 

 

Step It Up Stadium Challenge
Tuesday, September 22nd
6:00pm Memorial Stadium Bleachers
Register by Monday, September 21st

The grandstand steps in Memorial Stadium have long been a favorite workout spot for athletes and fitness minded students on the UConn campus. Well, now it is time to Step Up to “The Challenge.” The event will consist of a timed run through the stadium stairs touching every step along the way. There will be three laps up and down followed by a sprint to the finish line. Prizes and bragging rights will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers. Step it up and challenge your legs and lungs in this vertical race!

 

 

 

 

 

Trail-Blading
Saturday, October 3rd 9:00am
Farmington Canal Trail, Hamden, CT
Cost: $15 SRF members/$25 non-members

Join Natural High as we travel to the scenic Farmington Canal Heritage Trail in Hamden. The trail winds along eight paved miles following the historic remains of the farmington canal. This is a great chance to blade the trail at your own pace while taking in the fall foliage and enjoying some exercise. All transportation, equipment, and rollerblade instruction is included.

 

 

 

 

 

Student Health and Wellness Fair
Wednesday, October 7th
10:30am - 2:30pm Student Union Mall

The annual Student Health Fair will have booths and exhibits from all the major health and wellness departments on campus and the surrounding community. Think of it as one stop shopping for your health. Interactive displays and loads of giveaways are guaranteed to be fun and informative. Don’t forget to stop by the Department of Recreational Services Tables!

 

 

 

 

 

Seatbelt Convincer
and DUI Simulation Station
Wednesday,
October 14th
2:00pm–6:00pm
SRF Front Lawn

Take a ride on The Convincer and you will be convinced of the importance of wearing your safety belt! The Convincer simulates a 6 mph car crash and the impact this has on your body. Even at slow speeds the impact of a crash is extremely drastic so never forget to buckle up! Next you will be surprised at how even a few drinks can impair your judgment and reaction time. The DUI simulation station will open your eyes to the dangers of drinking and driving. Know the facts about Connecticut’s DUI laws and how they affect you. Always remember to party safe on or off campus when driving during Homecoming Weekend. Don’t forget to CLICK IT OR TICKET!

 

 

Cardboard Canoe Race
Thursday, October 29th
6:00pm Wolff-Zackin Natatorium
Limit: 30 Teams (2 person teams)
Cost: $30 per team

A UConn Halloween tradition! The Thursday of Halloween brings “The Attack of The Cardboard Canoe Race!” We will supply all teams with the materials needed to design and construct a cardboard vessel in this ghoulish test of ingenuity and creativity. All participants will receive a custom T–shirt for participating. This Halloween themed event is frighteningly fun! Prizes will be awarded in various categories including best costumes, best boat design, and most spectacular capsize. Sign up early because everyone is dying to register!

 

 

 

 

 

Physical Activity Weeks - The P.A.W. Program
“Collect your P.A.W. Points”
November 2nd – December 4th

It pays to play with P.A.W.! Physical Activity Weeks is an incentive program that rewards you for participating in Recreational Services activities. Register for the program at the front desk of the SRF and learn how to earn. For each activity that you complete you earn “P.A.W. Points,” which can be redeemed for cool prizes! Activities that are eligible for P.A.W. Points include SRF Workouts, BodyWise Classes, Natural High Programs, UConn Outdoors Trips, and Intramurals. Registration is required to participate and collect points. Please see the P.A.W. Program flyer and bulletin board for complete details!

 

 

 

 

 

SPIN-A-THON to support Husky-Thon
Saturday, November 14th
10:00am - 8:00pm
Putnam Refectory
BodyWise Studios

Use your heart for more than just cardio this November. The BodyWise Fitness Program is hosting a Spin-A-Thon to benefit UConn’s Huskython. Choose from 10 special themed Spin classes held throughout the day as instructors lead you through heart pumping rides such as Michael Jackson, Hip Hop, and 80’s Spin. We are decking out the studio for Husky Pride so you’ll be sure to feel the love! All proceeds benefit Husky-Thon. Admission for classes is a $5 donation.

 

 

 

 

 

Physical Activities Weeks Ends
Friday, December 4th
Don’t forget to cash in your P.A.W
Point Coins for prizes!

Redeem your P.A.W Coins at the P.A.W. Store and pick up your prizes. Friday, December 4th is the last day you can collect P.A.W. points. The P.A.W. Store will close for the semester on Friday, December 11th so be sure to cash in your coins prior to this day to collect your prize!

 

 

 

 

 

Stress Down Day
Thursday, December 10th
11:00am- 2:00pm
Gelfenbien Commons

They’re here! The semester is over, but now it is time for Final Exams. Health Education, Nutritional Services, Women’s Center, and Recreational Services team up to show you ways to de-stress before finals! Learn to relax and stay focused so you can do your best both physically and mentally during a stressful exam week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural Highlights

Cardboard Canoe Race

Click here to play a video of the presentation seen at NIRSA Region 1 in Lowell, MA
Click your mouse on each page of the video to advance

Click here to download the slides of the presentation seen at NIRSA in PDF format.

Marketing Materials

Video Board Slide

Event Poster

2007 Teaser Trailer

2008 Teaser Trailer

2006 Highlight Video

2007 Highlight Video

2008 Highlight Video

2007 Event Photos

2008 Event Photos