Beginning fall 2025 we will be changing our name from Recreational Sports to Michigan Recreation. While this is not a radical change it is a meaningful one with a story that reflects our focus on supporting the well-being and fitness goals of our campus community and our own purpose-driven culture.

Dropping the word “sports” from our name is more representative of the breadth of offerings that we provide. While sports are still an important part of who we are, they are not all that we offer, especially as we present a face of well-being where everyone can see themselves in our facilities, programs, and services. Considering our broad range of offerings—everything from nature walks to competitive Club Sports—no name could ever perfectly represent all that we offer to our customers. Focusing on the word “recreation” provides us with a sustainable foundation to tell our story both now and in the future.

As we lean into the role that we play in physical and mental well-being this name change is more reflective of our mission to help everyone “move their way to well-being.”

The benefits of movement and physical activity have been well documented. Numerous research studies have shown that incorporating movement into our daily lives leads to a greater sense of health and well-being. It’s a great, proactive way of bringing balance to your life, managing stress, meeting new friends and having fun.

We know that the way you incorporate movement into your life is a personal choice and is different for everyone. That’s why Michigan Recreation offers many ways for you to move your way and why we say, “This is your MichiganRecreation.” Whether you’re looking to take a break from your studies/work, expand your community, compete, go on an adventure or just doing something nice for yourself, we’ve got you covered.

Our team of passionate professionals is focused on giving you the very best physical fitness, adventure and sports experiences possible. From building supervisors to fitness instructors, personal trainers to trip leaders, you’re surrounded by people who care and who are dedicated to helping you reach your goals­­. We’re intent on creating an environment that’s safe, welcoming and fun. We’re dedicated to providing offerings that suit a variety of abilities, interests and needs. And we’re always looking for opportunities to develop leadership and authentic engagement—whether it’s with our members, student employees, teams or staff.

Want to learn more? Here’s what members of our community have to say about our culture, our goals and what we value most—you. That’s why this is your Rec Sports.

Empowerment Self Defense

The Empowerment Self-Defense workshop takes a holistic approach to self-protection, emphasizing awareness and assertiveness skills as well as physical and verbal strategies to counter violence. The goal is to leave you better equipped to deal with everything from harassment to potentially violent people to sexual assault. Participants will take part in verbal exercises, physical drills, and discussions.  These workshops are FREE  to enrolled UM students and Recreational Sports members with MCard.

Please visit the Sessions @ Michigan Link to register for a workshop.

American Red Cross CPR/AED and First Aid Certification

The American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid blended learning course will help prepare you to recognize and care for a variety of breathing and cardiac emergencies in adults, children and infants as well as prepare you to recognize and care for a variety of first aid emergencies. Participants who successfully complete this course will receive a certificate for CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid valid for two years.

This is a blended learning course that requires roughly 4 hours of online work prior to the first day of the course.

Register Here!

Cost:

Cost is covered for Recreational Sports employees.

$90 for Non-Employees. You can complete payment for the course here.

American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification

The Lifeguarding course provides participants the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies in both shallow water (less than 7 feet) and deeper water (7 feet or more) and to provide professional-level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies injuries and sudden illnesses until EMS personnel take over. Participants who successfully complete this course receive an American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding (including deep water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid valid for 2 years.

This is a blended learning course that requires roughly 6 hours of online work prior to the first day of the course.

Register Here!

There are no offerings at this time.

Cost:

Cost is covered for Recreational Sports employees.

$290 for Non-employees. You can complete payment for the course here.

American Red Cross Lifeguard Recertification

This course is designed for students who hold a current certification in American Red Cross Lifeguarding. Proof of certification needs to be verified in order to complete registration. This review is a shortened version of the full length class. It is very important that you are comfortable with your rescue and CPR skills to be successful in this course. Participants who successfully complete this course receive an American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding (including deep water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid valid for 2 years.

This is a blended learning course that requires roughly 4 hours of online work prior to the first day of the course.

Register Here!

Cost:

Cost is covered for Recreational Sports employees.

$160 for Non-employees. You can complete payment for the course here.