Staying Active and Healthy at UT Austin

Taking care of your health is an important part of being a student. Exercise, healthy eating, spending time outdoors, and connecting with others can help reduce stress and improve both physical and mental well-being.

At UT Austin, ELC students have many opportunities to stay active and build healthy habits through RecSports, student organizations, and wellness resources across campus.

Five people stretch side by side on a grassy field, each bending to their right with one arm overhead. The scene is relaxed and sunny, with lush trees in the background.

RecSports at UT Austin

University of Texas RecSports offers gym access, fitness classes, sports programs, outdoor activities, and recreation facilities for students at UT Austin.

RecSports membership is not included in ELC tuition, but ELC students can purchase a discounted membership.

An ELC student membership costs about $26 per month and includes:

Access to all RecSports facilities
Use of weight rooms and fitness equipment
Sports equipment checkout
The ability to reserve courts in advance

ELC students must visit the RecSports office in Gregory Gym (GRE 2.200) to purchase a membership. To receive the correct price, be sure to tell the staff that you are an English Language Center student.

Historic brick building facade with arched windows and decorative brickwork under a clear blue sky. Trees partially frame the scene, adding greenery.

Group Fitness with TeXercise

TeXercise is the RecSports group fitness program. It is a great option for students who enjoy exercising with others or want more structure in their workouts.

RecSports members can purchase a TeXercise All-Access Pass for about $25 per month. The pass includes:

Unlimited access to more than 100 in-person fitness classes each week.
Access to more than 150 on-demand workout videos.
Monthly workout calendars and beginner programs.

Popular TeXercise classes include yoga, Pilates, kickboxing, cycling, barre, Zumba, aqua fitness, and strength training.

TeXercise classes are available for many fitness levels, including beginners.

Gym interior with vibrant lighting. Powerlifting area seen from above; people exercise on equipment. Bright red-orange walls, star graphics, and TV screen.

Sports, Climbing, and Outdoor Adventures

RecSports also offers many recreational programs outside the gym. These activities help students stay active while meeting new people and trying new experiences.

Intramural Sports

Intramural sports include leagues, tournaments, and one-day events for students of all skill levels. Students can join team sports or individual competitions in a fun and supportive environment.

Sport Clubs

UT Austin offers more than 40 sport clubs where students can train and compete together. Clubs include archery, badminton, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, rock climbing, racquetball, wushu, and more.

Climbing Wall

Gregory Gym includes a large indoor climbing wall with spaces for beginners and experienced climbers. Students can purchase day passes or monthly passes to use the facility.

Adventure Trips

The RecSports adventure trip program helps students explore the outdoors safely with trained guides. Trips may include hiking, canoeing, backpacking, surfing, mountain biking, and trail running.

Gregory Gym Aquatic Complex

Austin weather can be very hot, especially during the summer. The Gregory Gym Aquatic Complex gives students a place to swim, relax, or cool off.

The complex includes:

Two indoor pools
Three outdoor pools
An outdoor spa
Lounge areas

Swimming and water activities can be a great way to exercise while staying cool during warm weather.

Aerial view of a sunny outdoor pool area with clear blue water, surrounded by lounge chairs, trees, and terracotta-roofed buildings. Urban skyline in the background.

Student Organizations That Promote Wellness

Student organizations are another great way to stay healthy, meet friends, and become part of the UT community.

Running Clubs and Outdoor Fitness

Students who enjoy running and outdoor exercise can join organizations like Hooked on Running and Texas Running Club. These groups welcome many experience levels and organize practices, social runs, races, and community events throughout the year.

Running clubs can help students stay active, explore Austin, and build healthy routines while meeting new people.

Five people jogging under a bridge on a gravel path, surrounded by greenery. They appear focused and energetic, conveying a sense of fitness and determination.

Building Healthy Habits

Texas Healthy Habits is a student organization that promotes wellness and balanced lifestyles. The organization encourages healthy choices through events, activities, and wellness education.

A group of five students sitting on a bench outdoors, smiling and engaging in conversation. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Student Sports

UT Austin has many student organizations focused on sports and martial arts. One example is the Kendo Association, where students practice the Japanese martial art of kendo. Kendo focuses on discipline, concentration, teamwork, and physical activity.

Students can also participate in other sport clubs and recreational activities across campus to stay active and connected with the UT community.

A group of people stands in a sunny park, holding frisbees. They appear engaged and attentive, possibly during a team meeting or a frisbee game briefing.

Nutrition and Wellness Resources

Exercise is only one part of staying healthy. Eating balanced meals, getting enough sleep, and managing stress are also important.

UT’s University Housing and Dining (UHD) provides nutrition and wellness resources to help students build healthy habits. Students can find information about healthy eating and food allergy management on campus.

These resources can help students make healthy choices while adjusting to life in Austin and studying in an intensive English program.

Array of meal prep containers filled with rice, grilled chicken, broccoli, chickpeas, carrots, and cherry tomatoes, arranged neatly on a gray surface.

Make the Most of Your Time at UT Austin

Staying active can improve your physical health, reduce stress, and help you feel more connected to the UT community. Whether you enjoy fitness classes, team sports, running, climbing, martial arts, or outdoor adventures, there are many ways to build healthy habits at UT Austin.

Trying new activities can also help you meet people, explore Austin, and make your experience at the English Language Center even more rewarding.

This blog post was contributed by Jack Taylor, administrative associate of global engagement at the Texas Global English Language Center.