Exercise Outside The Huff

University of Oklahoma sophomore, Michelle Stephenson, talks about why pilates is a good alternative exercise.



We all know you've been working out like a maniac to perfect your physique for your first college spring break experience. Aren't you tired of doing the same work out routine every day at the same place with the same people? Contrary to popular belief The Huff isn't the only place you can get a good workout in Norman, Oklahoma. It's true the classes they offer there are great, but going there every day can be redundant and boring, so why not try something new? There are a number of different places you can go to in order to get a good work out. If group fitness is your thing, there are a number of Pilates and Yoga studios in Norman. Pilates Plus is located right off Flood and is a mere ten minutes away from campus. Don't own a car? Not a problem, Ashtanga Yoga Studio is located on Campus Corner and is within walking distance. And if you're keeping a close eye on those calories, OU offers a great nutrition calculator where you can see the nutritional value for any given meal from restaurants located all around campus. With resources like these, you should be in top shape before you hit the beach in two weeks. For future reference, The University of Oklahoma also offers a plethora of work out classes that you can get an hour or two worth of credit from. You can take anything from Individual Fitness to Modern Dance and they're offered year round!

Under 21 Fun

As a freshman I always wondered if there was anything else to do on a Friday night besides going out to a house and watching people get drunk off of Keystone and McCormick's. Well, I'm telling you now: there is.

Instead of spending 15 bucks on a case of beer that you buy illegally, you could spend ten dollars on a ticket to the Opolis to see some pretty sweet underground bands. Think about it, you could be the first person out of all your friends to find the best music in town.

There's also Moe's Hookah Bar, which is right next to the Opolis. If you're into learning about different cultures, this is the place for you. Moe's even has belly dancing on certain nights.

Hookah bars can have a great atmosphere for group parties- so get all of your friends together and go lounge around a giant smoldering hookah.

If you're not into big crowds and want a more quiet night with a few close friends for cheap, there's always The Robinson Crossing 8 dollar theater. Student's typically like this place because of the price (duh) and because the service is suppose to be great.

The bottom line is this: not everyone is okay with the typical college binge drinking every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. If you're one of these people you still have plenty of options, so get out there and find something you like to do.

Lissa and Cy: Your New Best Friends

Are you a freshman at The University of Oklahoma struggling with a Pre-cal assignment or English paper? Maybe you just need a reminder of where to go for advisement. Or perhaps you're feeling overwhelmed and need a little pep talk.

Well, Lissa and Cy Wagner Hall is here to help. Since opening in the Fall of 2009, it has become one of the most helpful resources for students.

Before Wagner hall opened its doors, students were advised in Carnegie Hall and tutoring was scattered throughout the campus.

Now, students are tutored in multiple subjects and advised all in the same place. Wagner Hall also offers seminars ranging from "Test-taking Strategies" to "Being a Happy and Healthy Sooner," which are designed to give students some insight on how to have a successful college career.

Sela Taylor, a University Freshman said she attended a seminar or two last semester for her Gateway class.

"At first I wasn't really looking forward to going, but then I realized just how helpful the seminars are. I feel like I learned a lot and can actually apply what they talked to us about."

What Wagner Hall offers:

• Free Student Seminars to help you make the transition into college.
  
• Action Tutoring for those extra tricky classes.
  
• Skill Development Websites help you brush up on those basics you haven't practiced since 7th grade.
  
• Placement Tests to help you get into the right math courses.
  
• OU Lifeline for all questions regarding academics at OU- (405) 325-2574.
• Career Tests to help you decide what you want to be when you "grow up."

This is only a small preview of what Wagner's website offers. So go check it out!

SOP/PWOP

I took my sense of place picture in one of my friend's rooms that has a house in Norman. She has a lot of interesting art and knick-knacks in her room but I couldn't capture all of them sadly.

My picture without a person is of my roommate's cabinet of books and school supplies.

I want my target audience for this blog to be freshmen at the University of Oklahoma. I want them to know things that I didn't my first year at OU.