Start Strong at State

January 10, 2025 Andrew Schnittker 3-min. read

A Wellness and Recreation staff member speaks to students in front of several weight machines.

Looking to get active and boost your wellness as a new year and semester starts? Within the walls of NC State’s Wellness and Recreation Center lies a wealth of opportunities for personal growth and improved well-being to help you thrive here beyond. Check out the many programs and services available to students, faculty and staff, developed to empower you to take the next step toward a healthier you.

Fitness

For those just getting started, the free Fitness Basics: Orientation sessions help users learn how best to utilize the fitness spaces, equipment and programs at Wellness and Recreation. Fitness Assessment services are designed to help you learn more about your body and gain a clearer understanding of where you are today and where you can be in the future.

There are more than 80 free fitness classes offered each week, including cycle, LesMills Pilates™, cardio dance, Yoga, Zumba®, core, TRX® and LesMills BODYPUMP™. For a more structured and progressive experience, try one of the many group training programs, including PackFit Training, F45 Training and Learn to Lift.

Outdoor Adventures

Add adventure to your schedule with outdoor trip offerings, including hiking, climbing, backpacking, paddling and more. For those who like to adventure on their own, the Outdoor Adventures Equipment Rental Center offers a variety of gear to rent at a daily, weekend or weekly rate, including backpacking essentials, camping gear, bikes, canoes, kayaks and lawn games.

The Climbing Center includes a 48-foot tall indoor climbing wall and bouldering cave and is free for students and members to use. Climbing and belay clinics are offered throughout the semester for users to learn more about the sport of climbing. The Jim Wall High Challenge Course, located in Schenck Memorial Forest, includes both low and high ropes activities. Bring your group or organization out and let challenge course facilitators guide you through a series of team-building experiences.

Sports

Intramural Sports offers more than 40 different leagues, tournaments and events throughout the year, ranging from team sports like flag football, basketball, soccer and volleyball, to unique events like pool battleship, chess tournaments and fantasy sports. Intramural sports are also open to faculty and staff.

For students seeking a more competitive experience, check out one of the more than 50 Club Sports teams on campus. These student-led organizations practice and compete against other colleges and universities at local, state and national levels.

Wellness

All students, regardless of status, are allotted four free individual wellness coaching sessions per semester to work on a variety of personal development topics, including stress management, lifestyle modification tips and more. Wellness and Recreation’s nationally certified coaches also offer group coaching opportunities.

The ThriveWell team hosts a variety of wellness challenges each semester to help individuals create positive, healthy lifestyle changes. Students are also encouraged to pause and take a break to practice self-care at one of the popular Howl and Chill events hosted each semester.

Work With Wellness and Recreation

Wellness and Recreation is one of the top employers on campus, with more than 600 students employed annually. Work in a dynamic environment that offers flexible scheduling and real-world experience by developing professional and transferable skills to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom. Check out the positions currently available – the deadline to apply for most openings is Jan. 16, 2025.

Wellness and Recreation Center and Carmichael Gym

The Wellness and Recreation Center and Carmichael Gym is a 430,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility designed to help the Wolfpack Community achieve their personal wellness, recreation and fitness goals.

Features include: