Intro to Recreation

Discover Your Active Side

College life can be busy, but staying active doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This page is designed just for those who want to explore recreation options in a low-pressure, beginner-friendly way.

Whether you're curious about trying a group fitness class, want to join a chill hike with friends, or need tips for feeling comfortable in the gym, we’ve got you covered. No experience? No problem. This is all about finding what feels good and works for your lifestyle.

Get moving, meet new people, and build healthy habits that stick.

Intro Fitness Classes to get you going
Sunrise Spin

This spin class is designed as an early morning beginner-friendly workout. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a quick and effective cardio workout to start their day.

Sunrise Spin

K-Pop Dance

A group of people participate in a K‑Pop dance class in a bright fitness studio with a wooden floor. An instructor stands at the front demonstrating a dance move while the class follows, spaced across the room. Exercise bikes, wall-mounted straps, and WSU Cougar logos are visible along the back wall.

Ready to turn up the energy this summer? K‑Pop Dance 101 is the perfect intro class for anyone excited to learn the moves behind today’s hottest K‑Pop hits—no prior dance experience needed! You’ll learn foundational choreography, timing, and style while boosting confidence, coordination, and cardio fitness.

Click below for more information and registration options!

K-Pop Dance

Aqua Aerobics

An aqua aerobics class takes place in an indoor pool. An instructor stands on the pool deck demonstrating a balance movement while several participants follow along from the water; lane lines cross the pool in the foreground, and a wall banner reads “University Recreation Aquatics” near an orange rescue backboard.Aqua Aerobics is a low‑impact, high‑energy fitness class designed for all experience levels. Using the resistance of water, this class delivers a full‑body workout that improves strength, cardio endurance, flexibility, and balance, while being easy on the joints. Expect upbeat music, guided movements, and a refreshing way to stay active.


View registration options below!

Aqua Aerobics

Intro to Exercise & the Gym

Inside a weight training facility, two people stand near squat racks and gym equipment. One person in a red shirt denoting a Personal Trainer demonstrates a strength or fitness concept while holding a weight plate, and another person stands nearby listening. Free weights, racks, and mirrors fill the background of the gym.Are you new to working out or feeling unsure about the gym? This welcoming small group class is led by a Certified Personal Trainer who will guide you through the basics of weight training, gym equipment, and proper form—no experience needed! Each week builds your confidence and knowledge, helping you feel strong, supported, and ready to make the gym your own.

Learn more and find registration options below!

Intro to Exercise & the Gym

Women on Weights

In a fitness weight room, two participants perform dumbbell exercises near a bench and a rack of free weights. One participant is bent forward lifting dumbbells while another stands nearby holding weights; additional gym equipment and mirrors are visible in the background.Ready to build strength with confidence? Women on Weights is a supportive, beginner‑friendly class that introduces weight training fundamentals in a welcoming environment. You’ll learn proper lifting techniques, how to use free weights and machines, and how to create an effective strength routine—boosting confidence, power, and overall fitness along the way.


View registration options below!

Women on Weights

No experience needed Intramural Sports
Singles Tennis

A person hits a tennis ball with a racket during a singles match on an outdoor campus tennis court, with a chain-link fence, light poles, and clear sky in the background.Serve up some fun with Singles Tennis on campus this summer! This fast-paced, individual sport is perfect for players of all skill levels. Whether you’re just learning the basics or bringing a powerful forehand, singles tennis is a great way to stay active, sharpen your skills, and enjoy a little friendly competition.

Register for Singles Tennis Here

Doubles Tennis

Four people play a doubles tennis match on outdoor campus courts, with players positioned on both sides of the net. Multiple tennis courts, benches, light poles, and trees are visible in the background under an overcast sky.Team up for Doubles Tennis on campus! This exciting, partner-based format adds strategy and teamwork to every match. Whether you’re new to doubles or an experienced player, it’s a fun way to stay active, communicate on the court, and build connections through shared competition.

Learn more and register here!

6v6 Volleyball

Several people play outdoor soccer on a turf field, with one person in the foreground kicking a green-and-white soccer ball while others run nearby to challenge the play. A brick building with large windows and additional people watching appears in the background.Get outside and play big with 8v8 Outdoor Soccer on campus! This team-based format emphasizes movement, skill, and teamwork in an open-air setting. Whether you’re new to the pitch or a longtime player, outdoor soccer is a great way to stay active, meet new people, and compete in a fun, supportive environment.

View dates and register here!

Intro friendly climbing opportunities
Try bouldering at the SRC

A person in blue shorts practices bouldering on a climbing wall with colorful holds surrounding him. He is stepping up to complete his next move as a blue rope hangs behind him.

Looking for a fresh, engaging workout? Try bouldering at the climbing wall! This rope-free style of climbing focuses on short routes that build strength, balance, and problem-solving skills. No experience needed—bring your curiosity and use a free pair of climbing shoes provided at the SRC. With padded flooring and routes for all skill levels, bouldering is a safe and social way to get moving and have fun. Come climb with us!

Learn more about climbing here!

Join a Belay Clinic!

Two people stand on the padded floor of an indoor climbing gym, holding blue climbing ropes and wearing harnesses. Behind them is a tall climbing wall covered with colorful handholds, ropes hanging from above.

Climbing is a great way to get in a fun and exciting work out. You can use the climbing shoes provided by the climbing wall in the SRC to start bouldering, or join a belay clinic by clicking below to get started! 

In this course, you will be taught how to use the PBUS belay method, the figure 8 follow-through, and WSU-specific practices. At the end of the course, you'll have the opportunity to have your belay technique assessed by the instructor and earn a qualification. Qualifications will allow you to participate in roped climbing during facility hours.

Register for a clinic here!

Learn to thrive on the Auto Belays

A person wearing a harness climbs an indoor rock wall, reaching for a green handhold among colorful climbing holds. A safety rope is attached above, with gym lighting and structural beams visible in the background.

Want to climb higher without needing a partner? Our auto belay systems make it easy! These devices safely lower you to the ground after each climb, so you can focus on having fun and building confidence. A quick 5-minute training with a staff member is all it takes to get qualified. Once you're set, you can access various vertical routes designed for all skill levels. Give it a try, your climbing adventure starts here!

Beginner-friendly Outdoor Adventures
Wilderness First Aid

A single person stands near the edge of a partially frozen lake at sunrise, silhouetted against a low sun. Snowy mountains and forested hills surround the calm water, which reflects the sky and figure, creating a quiet winter landscape.Discover essential skills with our Wilderness First Aid course! This hands-on training is designed for anyone who spends time outdoors and wants to be prepared when emergencies happen far from help. Whether you’re new to backcountry travel or looking to build confidence as an outdoor professional, this course is welcoming, practical, and engaging. You’ll learn how to assess injuries, manage common medical emergencies, make effective decisions in remote settings, and care for patients until help arrives. Come ready to practice, problem-solve, and gain the confidence to respond when it matters most in the outdoors.

Register for Wilderness First Aid!

Sunset Hike at Kamiak Butte

A small group of hikers with backpacks crosses a wooden footbridge on a forest trail. Tall evergreen trees, ferns, and autumn-colored leaves surround the path, with dappled sunlight filtering through the woods.Experience the beauty of the Palouse at golden hour with our Sunset Hike at Kamiak Butte! This guided hike is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a relaxed outdoor adventure while taking in sweeping views as the sun sets over rolling hills and farmlands. Whether you’re new to hiking or just looking for a peaceful evening on the trail, this outing is designed to be welcoming and approachable. Along the way, we’ll set a comfortable pace, share insights about the landscape, and leave plenty of time to soak in the scenery. Join us for fresh air, stunning views, and a memorable sunset in one of the region’s most iconic natural areas.

Sunset Hike at Kamiak Butte

Sunset Paddle (Stand Up Paddle Board)

A person stands up paddleboarding on calm water at sunset. The paddleboard glides across the lake as the sky reflects soft pink and blue hues, with rolling hills and mountains rising along the shoreline in the background.Enjoy a peaceful evening on the water with our Sunset Stand Up Paddle Trip! This guided outing is perfect for anyone looking to unwind and experience the beauty of sunset from a unique on-the-water perspective. Whether you’re new to stand-up paddling or just looking for a relaxed way to end the day, we’ll provide a supportive, easygoing environment. We’ll cover basic paddling techniques, water safety, and allow plenty of time to soak in the calm conditions and changing light. Join us for smooth paddling, scenic views, and a memorable sunset on the water.

Sunset Paddle (Stand Up Paddle Board)

Sunset Paddle (Kayak)

Two people paddle a red tandem kayak across calm lake water. The kayak carries gear secured on deck, with forested mountains rising on both sides and dramatic clouds filling the sky above.Paddle into the calm of the evening with our Sunset Kayak Trip! This guided experience is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a relaxed paddle while taking in beautiful sunset views from the water. Whether you’re new to kayaking or simply want to unwind at the end of the day, this outing is designed to be approachable and enjoyable. We’ll review basic paddling strokes and water safety, then set an easy pace so there’s time to soak in the scenery as the light fades. Join us for smooth paddling, quiet moments on the water, and a memorable sunset adventure.

Sunset Paddle (Kayaking)

Tips to get you started in the gym
Start with a tour

Before diving in, take a free tour of the Student Recreation Center or Chinook Student Center. Staff can show you how to check in, where equipment is located, and how to access locker rooms, fitness studios, and more.

Ask staff if you have a question

Learn how to safely use cardio machines, weight machines, and free weights with guidance from trained staff. Are you curious about where to get started? Our friendly staff will be more than happy to help you. 

Set small, achieveable goals to start

Start with short workouts (20–30 minutes) and build up gradually. Whether it’s walking on the treadmill or trying a beginner strength circuit, consistency is key. Keep an eye on our Instagram page for personal trainer tips and beginner friendly workouts!

Bring a friend or workout buddy

Having someone with you can make the experience more fun and less intimidating. You can motivate each other, share tips, and explore new workouts together.

Start with one area, then expand

The gym can feel overwhelming with so many zones—cardio, weights, stretching, etc. Pick one area to start with, like the cardio machines or functional training zone, and get comfortable there before exploring more.

Practice gym etiquette

Wipe down equipment after use, re-rack weights, and be mindful of shared space. These small actions help create a respectful and welcoming environment for everyone.

Try a fitness class

Group classes like Intro to Exercise and the Gym, Intro to Spin, or Intro to Yoga are all beginner-friendly and a great way to stay motivated. Chinook and SRC offer dozens of classes weekly—check out more beginner friendly classes in the category above or scroll through our offerings by clicking here.