New Addition to Rec Sports Workforce: Goats

We recently employed a small heard of voracious goats to clear 5 acres of bushes, grass, weeds and poison oak on the hillside behind the Golden Bear Rec Center, creating a clean fire break for the building. Not only do the goats work cheap -- $1,200 for the goats vs. $2,500 for human labor -- but they work green too. Instead of gas mowers, blowers, pesticides and trucks to haul off the waste, the (nearly) zero-emission goats quietly and cleanly go about their task.  Learn more.

Rec Sports Wellness Center Opens

The Rec Sports Wellness Center is now open for business. To start, the space will be the new home of Cal Massage, providing clients with a soothing, serene and private atmosphere. Plus, because of the bigger space, we'll be able to offer more time slots -- so no more waiting to get that appointment. Eventually we'll roll out new massage services such as hot stone, reflexology and aromatherapy. The new center is located just off the hallway between the RSF and Haas Locker Rooms. Come by and check it out!

New Poll: Most Dominant Athlete?

After Roger Federer won his 14th grand slam title at the French open last month, we wondered: who is the most dominant athlete of our time. Tiger? Maybe Federer or Lance? MJ has to be on the list.  And you can't leave Cristiano Renaldo, the world's most spectacular footballer from the world's most popular sport off the list. Have your say, take the poll.

Poll Results: Best Ways to Reduce Stress

The results for last month’s poll are in! Thirty-seven percent said running is the best stress buster during final exams, while eighteen percent opted for a plate of cookies. Yes! Trailing behind with seventeen percent of voters, yoga was picked as another favorite. Write-in responses included swimming, strength training, walking outdoors, kickboxing, and sleeping.  Strangely, no votes for studying...?  See the full results.

7 Most Effective Exercises

Most of us don't have the luxury of working out for hours each day, but being smart about the exercises you choose -- those that target multiple muscle groups or help you burn calories more effectively -- will help you get more out of your limited time. From walking to doing lunges, there are a variety of exercises that will give you the most effective workout. It’s not just about how much time you put into your workout, but also about working out smart. Learn more.

Sea Kayaking Day Trips

Interested in going on Sea Kayaking Day Trips and exploring new areas on the water? Cal Adventures is now offering Sea Kayaking Day Trips to offsite destinations for those who have previously completed a sea kayaking skills class. Join us on the Sea Kayak Sausalito Trip on June 27 or the Sea Kayak Tomales Bay Trip on July 26.  We hope to see you soon! More info.

Cal Team Forming for SF AIDS Walk

On Sunday, July 19 help build on the success of the past four years by joining the Cal AIDS Walk Team. All students, faculty, staff, alumni and Cal friends are encouraged to participate in the 10 kilometer (6.2 miles) walk.  It's a great opportunity to get out and meet people who are motivated and passionate about a world without AIDS. Money raised will go to support the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and other Bay Area AIDS service organizations. More info.

How Green is Your Workout?

Do you sweat when you work out? Do you sweat when you think of our planet's future? Well, whether you spend hours at the RSF, run laps around Edwards Track, or go for quick power walks on Golden Bear Track, this is the quiz for you. You might learn a thing or two about burning calories instead of carbon. Take quiz.

Follow Rec Sports on Twitter!

Keep up on the latest news from Cal Rec Sports. We'll be twittering about intramural sign ups, new classes, fun events, fitness workshops, schedule changes, pool updates, fitness tips and other important information, like when to clear your locker.  You can even choose to get our tweets sent to your mobile phone. Follow Us!

Summer Student Memberships on Sale Now!

Sales for Summer 2009 Student Memberships have begun. We offer free group exercise classes, late night hours and intramural sports competition, plus much more.  Interested students can sign up online at the Rec Sports website, or in-person at the cashier’s station at the RSF, Strawberry Canyon Pool, or the Golden Bear Rec Center.  Only $10 per semester!