News Briefs

Weight Watchers is coming back

Due to its success in 2005, Weight Watchers is returning to Rice later this month. Starting Monday, Jan. 30, the 30-minute classes will be held in 317 Janice and Robert McNair Hall at 11:30 a.m.

Rice is subsidizing 50 percent of the cost of the 15-week program for Rice faculty and staff — so the out-of-pocket cost is $90.

For information and registration, enrollment will be held Jan. 23 in 317 McNair Hall at 11:30 a.m. Registration will also take place before the first meeting Jan. 30.

To learn more about Weight Watchers at Rice, visit the benefits Web site at <http://benefits.rice.edu>.

Fitness program offers options

Rice faculty, staff and students who want to get in shape can register for Fitness Edge Boot Camp and Tai Chi.

The Fitness Edge Boot Camp at the Rice Recreation Center is designed to challenge all fitness levels and aim to improve participants’ cardiovascular health, muscle strength, muscle tone and flexibility.

Beginning Jan. 17, two sessions will meet for 10 weeks. The morning class will meet from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The afternoon class will meet from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

An ancient form of Chinese exercise, Tai Chi is intended to improve physical health, decrease stress and bring unity to mind, body and spirit.

Two levels of classes will be offered this semester. The intermediate class will meet from 6 to 7 a.m., and the beginner class will be from 7 to 8 a.m. Both classes will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Registration for both programs can be made at the Rec Center Office on the second floor of the gymnasium.

For more information, contact Heather Thompson, assistant director for fitness, at <heathert@rice.edu>.

Rice offers spring break kids’ camp

Rice University’s Recreation Center is offering a spring break program for children of Rice faculty and staff. The program, for ages 6-11, is scheduled March 13-17 and registration has already started.

For more information, visit the program’s Web site at <www.rice.edu/syap.html> or call 713-348-4058. Registration takes place at the Rec Center Office on the second floor of the gymnasium.

Rec Center offers adult dance classes

“Keep on Dancing,” a dance class designed for adults interested in studio-based learning and performance, is being offered at the Rice Rec Center.

Each class will begin with pilates or yoga-based exercises for fitness. Dance techniques will be taught with combinations for the practice and joy of performing.

The classes will be held Wednesdays from Jan. 25 to March 22 in the Harjo Dance Studio in the Rec Center. Those interested can register at the operations desk. The classes cost $30 for students, $40 for Rice faculty/staff and spouses, and $60 for those not affiliated with Rice.

For more information, contact Rebecca Valls at <rvalls@rice.edu> or Emily Page at <emilyp@rice.edu>.