College is a transformative and exciting time, but for many students, it can also be incredibly mentally and physically taxing. The weight of deadlines, the pressure of exams, and trying to balance school and work are some of the challenging aspects most students face. UVU saw these challenges and decided to create a solution to provide both students and faculty with a safe space to relax. The UVU Student Life and Wellness Center provides resources and amenities that are not only designed to help individuals improve their health but also to reduce stress.

The Student Life and Wellness Center is one of UVU’s largest commitments to supporting student health and well-being, one of its major draws being the fitness amenities. Regular physical activity acts as a potent stress reducer for students. Moving your body, whether through exercise routines, walking, or yoga, triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural stress fighters. It helps release muscle tension, and redirects focus away from stressors, offering a mental break. Exercise also improves sleep quality, boosts mood, and enhances self-confidence, all crucial in tackling stress head-on.

The center has five different fitness and strength workout areas, catering to students and faculty of all fitness levels. For those starting their wellness journey, the beginner circuit area offers a welcoming space with user-friendly machines designed for ease of use and effective workouts. For those more experienced, the strength equipment section provides targeted muscle training, allowing individuals to focus on specific areas of development. The variety of these areas helps students tailor their workouts according to their fitness goals, making the gym an inclusive and comprehensive hub for physical well-being.

For students who want more direction with their workouts, the center also offers classes. Among these, yoga is a student favorite, emphasizing breath control and movements that help ease tension. Yoga stands out because it’s not just about physical exercise; it's a practice centered on holistic well-being. Through breathing techniques and mindful movements, yoga sessions offer a space for students to unwind, alleviate stress, and find clarity.

"I’ve always wanted to get into yoga, but when I started looking around for classes, they were all so expensive," said Liberty Anderson, a first-year UVU student. "I heard about UVU offering free yoga classes, and it was a total game-changer. I feel like fitness is mostly financially inaccessible for college students, but these classes are such high quality with knowledgeable instructors, and I am constantly telling other students that they need to be taking advantage of them”. 

The center also goes beyond traditional fitness amenities, providing a vibrant gathering place: a bowling alley. This addition offers a space where students can just have fun with their friends while decompressing. Students need areas to be social, but most of those options end up being costly. The UVU bowling alley offers three-dollar games for students, creating an affordable and entertaining hangout spot.

While there is no quick fix to eliminating student stress, the UVU Student Life and Wellness Center provides an easy and cost-efficient way for students to decompress. By providing resources that empower physical and mental health, the center is committed to helping students navigate the stress of university life with resilience and balance.