6-week Pregame to Spring Break

6-week Pregame to Spring Break

People walk on a beach

Spring Break is the perfect time to be with friends or family and enjoy a break from the academic grind. Some might choose to go somewhere warm, while others will take an adventure out of their comfort zone, and still others will choose to take it easy and recharge. Regardless of your plans for this spring break, it's important to maintain a healthful mindset when it comes to being "beach body ready" and having a safe and enjoyable break.

Campus Recreation is pleased to offer the 6-week Pregame to Spring Break program, showcasing different ways to think about health and wellbeing as you prepare for Spring Break 2024. Every week beginning with the week of January 29, various content on nutrition, well-being, and harm prevention will appear on this page.

By registering for this 6-week program, you will receive weekly progress forms as well as be eligible to win a prize for completing any of the weekly wellness activities included below.

Register to Win & Track Your Progress

Register Here

Week 1: January 29 – February 2, 2024

Nutrition

Everyone has a beach body…because everyone has a body.

While Spring Break might be a time when people want to get in shape, consider how you are treating your mind and body. “Getting a beach body” can come at a cost to your mental and physical health, such as developing disordered eating habits. Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions characterized by unhealthy eating habits and/or a preoccupation with one’s body.

Drugs & Alcohol

A Harm Reduction Approach to Steroids & Supplement Use

With six weeks remaining until spring break—a period promising sunshine, laughter, and a well-deserved escape from the academic grind—it becomes crucial to prioritize your well-being. Beyond the anticipation of a break, let's redirect our attention from quick fixes to practices that nurture the body, mind, and spirit, laying the foundation for a vibrant semester ahead.

Get involved

Purchase a Spring Group
Fitness Pass for $20.

Free Group Fitness Class

Basics Meditation

February 1, 2024
5–5:50 p.m.
CREC, Room 230D

About the class

This basics level meditation class introduces participants to mindfulness meditation. Meditation is beneficial for reducing stress, controlling anxiety, and enhancing focus. Begin your meditation journey in this class that prioritizes the awareness of body and breath.

Free Group Fitness Class

Basics Yoga

February 2, 2024
5:30–6:30 p.m.
CREC, Fitness Studio

About the class

This is a free beginner's yoga class. Allow your body and mind to connect through the practice of yoga poses. This is a great opportunity for individuals who are new to the practice, but yogis from all levels are welcome to join.

CookWell Class

Taste of Korea

Recipes include:

  • Wanja jeon (pan-fried meatballs)
  • Sangchoo Geotjoeri (Korean BBQ salad)
  • Whipped Coffee

Register by February 5, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

Details

On-campus Resources

If you or someone you know wants to improve their diet, learn how to fuel their body, or are maybe at risk of an eating disorder, please reach out to Brenna Schmader, Campus Recreation Dietitian, at bschmader2@unl.edu. Or learn more about Nutrition Consultations offered through Campus Recreation.

Sarah Keegan, Dietitian with the University Health Center, is also a resource and you can contact her at skeegan@nebraskamed.com. The first session with Sarah is free to all UNL students. Learn more at health.unl.edu/nutrition.

Or contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) to schedule an appointment with a counselor.

Week 2: February 5–11, 2024

Nutrition

How to eat healthy without needing a plan

It's possible to eat balanced meals and snacks without extensive meal prepping by incorporating healthful choices throughout your daily routine. If you follow some simple guidelines, you can rest assured that you can eat a healthful meal or snack no matter what, where, or when you eat, with or without a plan.

Drugs & Alcohol

Setting Boundaries

As you gear up for the excitement of spring break, setting boundaries with friends involved in alcohol and drug use becomes a crucial step toward maintaining your well-being and safety during this vibrant time.

Get involved

Free Group Fitness Class

Basics TRX

February 6, 2024
7–7:50 p.m.
CREC, Fitness Studio

About the class

New to TRX? Basics TRX is an excellent place to start. This class will help you learn about proper TRX strap set up/warm-up, fundamental movements, and effective recovery stretches.

Free Group Fitness Class

Basics Pound

February 7, 2024
5–5:50 p.m.
RWC, East Studio

About the class

New to Pound? Basics Pound is an excellent place to start. Basics Pound combines cardio, conditioning, and strength training with Yoga and Pilates-inspired movements. This beginner’s level class will teach you how to follow the beat of the music through a full-body workout.

February 12, 2024

Meal Kit Monday

$25 per meal kit ($6.25/serving)

Meal options include:

  • Spicy Chicken Sandwich & Honey Glazed Carrots
  • One-Pan Marinated Pork Chops with Veggies
  • Vegetarian White Bean & Tortellini Soup

Order by February 7, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

Details

Free Group Fitness Class

Basics Cycle

February 8, 2024
6–6:50 p.m.
CREC, Cycle Studio

About the class

New to cycle? Start here with this free cycle workshop. We will help you learn about proper bike setup and working out on the bike, followed by great post-cycle recovery stretches and tips.

Partner Yoga & Meal Kit for Two

February 16, 2024
5:30–6:45 p.m.
CREC, Fitness Studio

About the class

Celebrate an appreciation for yourself and your buddy by attending this Partner Yoga class. All poses will be fun to try with a partner, so be sure to bring someone along to share the fun. A two-serving meal kit to take home will be provided by the Nutrition Education Program. Meal options are Chicken & Dumpling Soup or Vegan California Sushi Bowl. Only one option can be selected per pair. Expect an email from us in regards to meal selection and allergy/food preferences.

Register by February 13, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.

Details

On-campus Resources

Have questions or want more information, reach out to Brenna Schmader, Campus Recreation Dietitian, at bschmader2@unl.edu. Or learn more about Nutrition Consultations offered through Campus Recreation.

Week 3: February 12–18, 2024

Nutrition

Smart Heart

Valentine's Day is all about celebrating yourself and others, but it's also a time to highlight heart health. You may not currently be concerned about your cardiovascular health but it’s important to take care of your body now for the future.

Drugs & Alcohol

Love's Language: Conversations on Consent

As we celebrate Valentine's Day, a day traditionally associated with love and intimacy, it's crucial to reflect on the profound impact Marvin Gaye's iconic album, "Let's Get It On," had on the cultural conversation surrounding human sexuality.

Get involved

Partner Yoga & Meal Kit for Two

February 16, 2024
5:30–6:45 p.m.
CREC, Fitness Studio

About the class

Celebrate an appreciation for yourself and your buddy by attending this Partner Yoga class. All poses will be fun to try with a partner, so be sure to bring someone along to share the fun. A two-serving meal kit to take home will be provided by the Nutrition Education Program. Meal options are Chicken & Dumpling Soup or Vegan California Sushi Bowl. Only one option can be selected per pair. Expect an email from us in regards to meal selection and allergy/food preferences.

Register by February 13, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.

Details

Cardio Sculpt & Sweets

February 14, 2024
7–7:50 p.m.
CREC, Fitness Studio

About the class

Take your workout into overdrive with this session focused on building strength and cardiovascular endurance. After a rewarding workout, you will be provided a sweet treat by the Nutrition Education Program. Attend this Cardio Sculpt & Sweets class to obtain a productive workout and a healthy snack.

Free Group Fitness Class

Basics Barre

February 15, 2024
5–5:50 p.m.
CREC, Combative Arts Room

About the class

Want to know more about Barre? This workshop will allow participants to understand the fundamentals and purpose of the format. Come learn about proper body alignment, increasing intensity, and mental strength.

Meditation Program

February 19 – March 6, 2024
Mondays & Wednesdays
12:15–12:45 p.m.
CREC, 230D

About the class

This 3-week beginners program introduces participants to mindfulness meditation. Meditation is beneficial for reducing stress, controlling anxiety, and enhancing focus. Participants will explore body and breath awareness meditation, guided meditation, and meditations for emotions, pain, and trauma. Techniques explored include RAIN, mindfulness, and movement meditation.

Register by February 18, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

Details

On-campus Resources

Have questions or want more information, reach out to Brenna Schmader, Campus Recreation Dietitian, at bschmader2@unl.edu. Or learn more about Nutrition Consultations offered through Campus Recreation.

Looking for more movement? Check out Campus Recreation’s personal training offerings at crec.unl.edu/personal-training.

Check-in on your health with a physical at the Health Center. Learn more at health.unl.edu/.

Week 4: February 19–25, 2024

Nutrition

From the Garden to the Sea: A Protein Adventure

Last Wednesday was the beginning of a Christian religious practice called Lent. This involves abstaining from eating meat such as beef, pork, and chicken, every Friday until Easter. Seafood and plant-based protein sources are nutritious meatless additions to your diet.

Drugs & Alcohol

Staying Safe While Socializing: A Guide for Huskers in Unfamiliar Places

Greetings, Huskers! As we embark on the fourth week of the "Six Weeks to Spring Break" series, it's the perfect time to discuss some crucial tips for staying safe when socializing in unfamiliar locations.

Get involved

Participate in a group fitness class that prioritizes
mindfulness: Yoga, Pilates, Meditation.

Trauma-sensitive Yoga

February 21, 2024
5–6 p.m.
CREC, 230C

About the class

Join us in a gentle yoga practice in a safe environment with a focus on the mind-body connection. In this 45-minute session, we will move through a sequence of basic yoga postures exploring what it’s like to BE in a particular shape, noticing sensations in our bodies, rather than learning technical aspects of getting into a certain yoga shape. Our session will also include an intro to basic breathing techniques and mindfulness practice.

February 26, 2024

Meal Kit Monday

$25 per meal kit ($6.25/serving)

Meal options include:

  • Hawaiian Marinated Chicken Kabobs
  • Tilapia Parmesan & Squash
  • Vegan Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Order by February 22, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

Details

CookWell Class

Taste of Chile

Recipes include:

  • Tilapia with Pebre
  • Ensalada Chilena (Chilean Salad)
  • Cocadas (Coconut Macaroons)

Register by February 26, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

Details

On-campus Resources

Have questions or want more information, reach out to Brenna Schmader, Campus Recreation Dietitian, at bschmader2@unl.edu. Or learn more about Nutrition Consultations offered through Campus Recreation.

Week 5: February 26 – March 3, 2024

Nutrition

Thirst Aid Kit: A Hydration Guide

So far, previous topics have focused on various ways to eat more healthfully, however drinking enough water is also a part of living a healthy lifestyle.

Drugs & Alcohol

Sips, Symptoms, and Solutions: A Deep Dive into Hangovers

You let loose last night, had a bit too much to drink, and now you're facing the consequences of a hangover. What exactly is a hangover, what happens to your body, and how can you navigate through it? In a nutshell, the only true cure for a hangover is time.

Get involved

Participate in a group fitness class that prioritizes cardio:
Pound, MixxedFit, Cardio Dance w/ GE, Cardio Sculpt, Cycle.

Pound Unplugged

February 26, 2024
5:15–6 p.m.
RWC, East Studio

About the class

This 45-minute class balances focused, high-intensity exercises with restorative movements, rhythmic breathing, and meditation. Quick, efficient, and challenging, the workout guides participants through a deeply intentional journey designed to promote the health and fitness of the whole person – mental, physical, and emotional.

March 4, 2024

Meal Kit Monday

$25 per meal kit ($6.25/serving)

Meal options include:

  • Caprese Chicken Pasta
  • Turkey Burgers & Homemade Fries
  • Vegetarian Huevos Rancheros

Order by February 28, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

Details

On-campus Resources

Have questions or want more information, reach out to Brenna Schmader, Campus Recreation Dietitian, at bschmader2@unl.edu. Or learn more about Nutrition Consultations offered through Campus Recreation.

Week 6: March 4–10, 2024

Nutrition

Fasting Safely

Some dietary or religious practices such as Ramadan require fasting or periods of consuming little to no food alternating with regular food consumption. During these times, your body functions with less consistent food and energy than it is used to.

Drugs & Alcohol

Preparing for Safe Travel

With the onset of Ramadan on March 10, a significant holy observance for Muslims worldwide, I find it timely to address some safe travel and prevention practices for students planning overseas trips.

Get involved

Participate in a group fitness class
that you haven't tried yet.

Pilates & Lattes

March 5, 2024
8–8:50 a.m.
CREC, Fitness Studio

About the class

Love a strengthening Pilates class? How about getting rewarded with a sweet sip of coffee after a fun and energizing workout? Enjoy a latte after a 50-minute Pilates class, brewed up by the Nutrition Education Program.

CookWell Class

Taste of the Baltic Countries

Recipes include:

  • Kotletes (Latvian Meatballs)
  • Purus Varskeciai (Lithuanian Cottage Cheese Pancakes)
  • Rosolje (Estonian Potato & Beet Salad)

Register by March 18, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

Details

March 25, 2024

Meal Kit Monday

$25 per meal kit ($6.25/serving)

Meal options include:

  • Chicken Tortilla Soup
  • Korean Beef Quinoa Bowls
  • Vegetable Paella

Order by March 21, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

Details

On-campus Resources

Have questions or want more information, reach out to Brenna Schmader, Campus Recreation Dietitian, at bschmader2@unl.edu. Or learn more about Nutrition Consultations offered through Campus Recreation.

Want an Alcohol and Other Drugs presentation or program for your RSO, chapter, or group? Connect with Jon Gayer, assistant director for alcohol and drug education, at jgayer3@unl.edu and (402) 472-2583.