The outdoor fitness center, which is located near the university’s Recreation Center at 800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson, is designed to provide easy access to a full body workout in only seven minutes. The equipment area utilizes seven exercise stations that focus on things like core, squat, push, lunge, pull, agility and bend.
The opening of the center is part of an initiative by the National Fitness Campaign to provide free access to fitness infrastructure throughout the nation.
“We are proud to be one of the first communities in Texas to join this important initiative,” said Tricia Losavio, director of university recreation. “This Fitness Court Studio is a wonderful example of partnerships to help break down barriers to accessible community programming for living a healthy lifestyle.”
The UTD fitness studio is the first Fitness Court Studio in the state of Texas and is twice the size of a standard Fitness Court, providing over 2,000 square feet of exercise space. It is able to be used by both university students and members of the community, according to BCBSTX officials.
“Not a lot of people feel like they have the time to run into a [recreation] center and do what they need to do,” said Zack Jones, UTD fitness coordinator. “Having something that's outside allows for people to just drop by for 15-20 minutes, if you only have that much time.”
With the studio’s outdoor space, classes such as yoga, Pilates, Zumba or stretching can take place, alongside simultaneous group and individual workouts, according to university officials.
Fitness Court users are encouraged to download the free mobile application, known as the Fitness Court app, which offers a collection of workout challenges and health kit metrics, according to university officials. Those who access the app will be able to pick between beginner or intermediate workouts offered at the exact location. www.nationalfitnesscampaign.com
