Students will have a chance to take a break from studying for finals and relax with free Zumba and Pilates classes and other activities today.
The Stress Busters event runs tonight from 8 to 11 in the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
The Office of Health Education is sponsoring the event with help from Recreation Services and University Program Board, health educator Julie Sturek said.
Sturek said she suggested hosting the event to Recreation Services when she came to Ball State three years ago.
"My big idea was to think of it as pretending you're back in kindergarten for a day," Sturek said. "No stress. You can play on inflatables and do some arts and crafts - forget you're a college student."
The event will provide free Zumba and Pilates classes along with a Velcro wall, bungee run, human gerbil balls and free snacks for students to enjoy.
"It's just an opportunity for students to come and play and burn off some energy," Sturek said. "Get some good endorphins going right before finals start next week."
In the Fall Semester, Stress Busters drew 300 to 400 students that filled up every fitness class.
Sturek said she hopes to raise the numbers this semester.
Josh Bisher, senior program director of the Office of Recreation Services, said his role as co-sponsor is to provide space for the activities and to use connections to the student body to promote the event for stress-free students.
Bisher coordinated the free massage therapists and put together the two free fitness classes that will take place in the multi-purpose rooms of the rec center.
"It's free, fun and set in a playful relaxing environment that should bring students back to their childhood, care-free days where there didn't seem to be stress," Bisher said.
One thing that will be new at this event are the inflatables, incorporated to bring in that childhood element.
Bisher and Sturek, as well as UPB, teamed up to create this event so students could unwind before a stressful week of cramming for finals.
"Take a break, take a night off, relax, have some fun with your friends," Sturek said. "Then hit the books feeling refreshed."
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