Intro to Recreation
Discover Your Active Side
College life can be busy, but staying active doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This page is designed just for those who want to explore recreation options in a low-pressure, beginner-friendly way.
Whether you're curious about trying a group fitness class, want to join a chill hike with friends, or need tips for feeling comfortable in the gym, we’ve got you covered. No experience? No problem. This is all about finding what feels good and works for your lifestyle.
Get moving, meet new people, and build healthy habits that stick.
Intro Fitness Classes to get you going
Intro to Spin
This spin class is designed to incorporate classic drills and challenges into an express class format. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a quick and effective cardio workout.
Boxing 101
Ready to punch up your fitness routine? Boxing 101 is the perfect intro class for anyone curious about the basics of boxing—no gloves or gear needed! You'll learn proper stance, footwork, and punch technique while building strength, coordination, and cardio endurance.
Click below for more information and registration options!
Pole Fit: Beginner
Pole Fit: Beginner is a skill-building technique class appropriate for absolute beginners as well as experienced Pole athletes looking to master their movements. A full-body athletic experience married with dance, Pole Fit is an addictive and expressive fitness format.
View registration options below!
Intro to Exercise & the Gym
Are you new to working out or feeling unsure about the gym? This welcoming small group class is led by a Certified Personal Trainer who will guide you through the basics of weight training, gym equipment, and proper form—no experience needed! Each week builds your confidence and knowledge, helping you feel strong, supported, and ready to make the gym your own.
Learn more and find registration options below!
Intro to Yoga
This is an introduction course inspired by Vinyasa. This dynamic practice links poses together in a fluid, continuous sequence, creating a moving meditation that enhances strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. Perfect for all levels.
View registration options below!
No experience needed Intramural Sports
5v5 Futsal
Futsal is an indoor version of soccer played with smaller teams and a smaller ball, making it ideal for beginners. It’s a great way to build confidence, improve footwork, and get a good workout in a fun, supportive setting. No cleats or outdoor gear required—show up and play!
4v4 Sand Volleyball
Enjoy the outdoors and get moving with sand volleyball on campus. This laid-back, team-based sport is perfect for beginners. Whether you're bumping for the first time or just want to play for fun, intramural sand volleyball is a great way to connect with others and enjoy the sunshine.
2v2 Pickleball
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country—and for good reason! It’s easy to learn, low-impact, and super fun. WSU’s intramural pickleball leagues are beginner-friendly and offer a relaxed environment to learn the rules, improve your game, and enjoy some friendly competition with fellow Cougs.
Beginner-friendly Outdoor Adventures
Intro to Backpacking Skills Clinic
Backpacking is a fantastic activity that can lead to incredible adventures. However, preparing for a backpacking trip can be a little overwhelming if you have never done so before. This clinic is here to teach you the basic skills needed to have a fun and comfortable trip! We’ll cover several topics: necessary equipment, appropriate clothing and layering systems, sleeping comfortably, purifying your drinking water, cooking on a backpacking stove, and how to hike/camp utilizing “Leave No Trace” principles.
Beginner Backpacking
In this beginner backpacking trip, you’ll travel to northern Idaho to explore the magnificent Selkirk Mountains and Priest Lake area! This area home to rugged granite peaks topping 7,000 feet in elevation, spectacular Priest Lake, mountain streams, and plentiful wildlife. You’ll learn backcountry camping and travel skills such as how to purify your drinking water, how to cook on a backpacking stove, and how to hike/camp utilizing “Leave No Trace” principles.
Sunset Paddle
Located only 30 minutes from WSU’s campus, the Snake River is perhaps one of the most well-known and scenic rivers in the entire United States. Come explore this beautiful river from your own stand-up paddleboard (SUP) as the sun sets. Whether you are an experienced paddleboarder or you have never been on a paddleboard before, this trip will be a great experience! This is one of our most popular trips - register early!
Outdoor Photography Clinic
Come learn how to capture those moments you want to remember while spending time outdoors. We will teach you the basic skills of framing, composition, utilization of natural and artificial light sources, as well as how to protect your gear from the elements. Come meet and bounce ideas off other area photographers to help take your shots to the next level!
Intro to Kayak Camping
Come learn the sport of kayak touring on the Snake River! You’ll start with an on-campus pool session to learn necessary boat exit and rescue techniques (same night as the pre-trip meeting, info below). Once you have learned the technical skills you will get the opportunity to test them down on the Snake River. At the Snake, we will teach you how to prepare and load your kayak before we embark on an overnight tour.
Tips to get you started in the gym
Start with a tour
Before diving in, take a free tour of the Student Recreation Center or Chinook Student Center. Staff can show you how to check in, where equipment is located, and how to access locker rooms, fitness studios, and more.
Ask staff if you have a question
Learn how to safely use cardio machines, weight machines, and free weights with guidance from trained staff. Are you curious about where to get started? Our friendly staff will be more than happy to help you.
Set small, achieveable goals to start
Start with short workouts (20–30 minutes) and build up gradually. Whether it’s walking on the treadmill or trying a beginner strength circuit, consistency is key. Keep an eye on our Instagram page for personal trainer tips and beginner friendly workouts!
Bring a friend or workout buddy
Having someone with you can make the experience more fun and less intimidating. You can motivate each other, share tips, and explore new workouts together.
Start with one area, then expand
The gym can feel overwhelming with so many zones—cardio, weights, stretching, etc. Pick one area to start with, like the cardio machines or functional training zone, and get comfortable there before exploring more.
Practice gym etiquette
Wipe down equipment after use, re-rack weights, and be mindful of shared space. These small actions help create a respectful and welcoming environment for everyone.
Try a fitness class
Group classes like Intro to Exercise and the Gym, Intro to Spin, or Intro to Yoga are all beginner-friendly and a great way to stay motivated. Chinook and SRC offer dozens of classes weekly—check out more beginner friendly classes in the category above or scroll through our offerings by clicking here.