With its inaugural “Find Your Fit” event, URecFit is committed to supporting all fitness and wellness journeys, no matter where they start.
Photo: Elizabeth Lasker, MA, assistant director of aquatics, giving a swim assessment during Find Your Fit on Sept. 12.
When Sandy decided to learn to swim, she turned to a familiar resource: YouTube. After learning the basics on dry land, she dove into the URecFit and Wellness pool, eager to test her skills. But as she practiced, she realized that online instruction could only take her so far.
"I wasn't sure if I was moving my legs or lifting my arms correctly," Sandy explained. "I don't have formal training, so I needed someone to watch me swim and tell me how to improve."
Enter Find Your Fit. This year marks the launch of URecFit and Wellness' (URFW) daylong event series dedicated to helping the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) community discover how the department can assist their fitness and wellness journeys. On Sept. 12, attendees jumped into quick pickleball matches, flowed through yoga sessions, learned to lift weights with newfound confidence, and, like Sandy, received a swim assessment.
Despite her tight schedule, Sandy, an employee at UMB who asked that her last name not be used, made time to attend Find Your Fit and discovered that self-improvement doesn't always require a lengthy commitment. Sometimes, just 20 minutes, under the guidance of Elizabeth Lasker, MA, assistant director of aquatics, can spark meaningful progress.
This approach reflects a core component of URecFit and Wellness' mission: when integrating wellness into your daily life, every small step counts toward improving well-being.
"I always tell people you don't need an hour of swimming to improve your fitness," said Lasker. "If you want that, great — but we also support people who are fitting in a workout between work or class or before they pick up their kids."
The event highlighted the accessibility of URFW. The facility is conveniently located on the UMB campus and offers an inclusive, welcoming environment with flexible options to fit most schedules. URFW also caters to those who want to prioritize their wellness through services like health coaching — a featured event during Find Your Fit. There's truly something for everyone.
"We strive to be more than a gym. We're a supportive community for students, faculty, staff, and affiliates," said Eric Barron, MS, director of URecFit and Wellness. "Our goal with Find Your Fit was to show that wellness looks different for everyone, and we have something for everyone. We're here to help the campus community discover what living well means for them."
For some, Find Your Fit served as an introduction to URecFit and Wellness, particularly for those who find traditional gyms intimidating. One student, who had never visited the facility, approached URecFit and Wellness' tabling event apprehensively. Barron and his team understand that fitness spaces can be overwhelming, but by offering personalized guidance and welcoming staff, they strive to create an environment where everyone feels they belong.
As the day wrapped up, participants left Find Your Fit with new skills, connections, and a renewed sense of support from URecFit and Wellness. At the tabling event, the students’ fears were assuaged when they won a free locker, giving them the nudge to explore URFW’s facility and services.
For Sandy, the feedback she received reassured her as a swimmer and a member of URecFit and Wellness. "I really enjoyed it," she said with a smile. "I can't wait to come back and do this again."
URecFit and Wellness is open to membership for UMB students, faculty, staff, alumni, retirees, and University affiliates. For a complete list of eligibility and to sign up for a membership, visit: https://www.umaryland.edu/urecfit/membership/eligibility-and-rates/.