Yes, maintaining a tolerable GPA is important in college. But it is also important to remember to take a breather and stretch your muscles every once in a while. Luckily, there are myriad on-campus resources to help you reach a healthy balance. Using your student ID, you can pull your nose out of the books and find a pleasant distraction without ever stepping foot off campus or opening your wallet.

Healthy Body:

Rec Center
With gym memberships currently averaging about $55 monthly, save some money by using GVSU’s Rec Center located on Allendale Campus. Equipped with rows of cardiovascular exercise machines on the main floor, the bottom floor houses weight-lifting equipment and open athletic courts, while the third floor serves as an indoor track.

Climbing center
With 2,600 feet of climbing wall, you have plenty of room to climb with your friends, or make some new ones. Harness and chalk cost $1 to rent, and shoe rentals cost $2. Open climb is Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Pool
Available for champion swimmers, doggy paddlers and belly floppers, alike, the pool is open every day of the week for either open swim or lap swim. Sometimes finding time to engage in a summer activity during the dreary winter months is just what the doctor ordered.

Group exercise
Need some motivation to get off the couch? Try working out in a group. From yoga to zumba, a schedule of group exercise classes can be found on the campus rec center’s website. Group passes range in cost from $24-40.

Intramural sports
Sign up for an intramural team, gaining exposure to both new faces, fun, competitive play and a satisfying workout. From volleyball to basketball, there is a team to please everyone.
Meadows Golf Course
Hit the links for a relaxing afternoon outdoors. And when your lose your fourth ball in the tree line and are ready to call it a day, head to the practice facilities for a less competitive golfing experience.

Healthy mind
Not a fan of exercise? No judgment here; give both your body and mind a rest. GVSU offers many opportunities both on campus and off for you to tune out and do something mindlessly entertaining for a few hours.

Kirkhof Center movie theatre
A trip to the movies can get expensive. Instead of paying $12 to catch the latest flick, drop by the movie theater in Kirkhof. Every week, a different movie is shown with plenty of recent releases circulated.

Pool tables/foosball machines
Located on the main floor of Kirkhof, playing materials for both games are available at the 20/20 desk.

Video games
Also on the main floor of Kirkhof, students can gather around the TV and get ready to compete in an epic Mario Bros. smackdown.

The Ravines
What, you’re going to move to a campus that is decidedly beautiful in the natural sense and NOT explore it? Get off the couch and check out one of the well-worn paths in the ravines. Or be adventurous and go off the beaten path. You may find a few hidden treasures (hint: take off behind South Apartments).

Swinging metal ball behind Padnos
Because you need to get your picture taken riding this at least once during your time at GVSU.

Arboretum
String up a hammock between two of the many trees lining the courtyard or lay out a picnic under the sun.

Healthy spirit
For those GVSU students who practice a religion, here is a brief listing of several religious houses in both the Allendale and Grand Rapids area to help maintain a healthy spirit.
1. Allendale Baptist Church, 6651 Scott St., Allendale, Mich.
2. Allendale Reformed Church, 5947 Lake Michigan Dr., Allendale, Mich.
3. Christian Fellowship Assembly, 64th Ave., Allendale, Mich.
4. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 9628 48th Ave., Allendale, Mich.
5. St. Luke University Parish, 6261 Lake Michigan Dr., Suite A, Allendale, Mich.
6. Temple Emanuel, 1715 East Fulton St., Grand Rapids, Mich.
7. Islamic Mosque and Religious Institute, 3357 East Paris Ave., Kentwood, Mich.
8. The Sikh Society Of West Michigan, 4356-4380 Quiggle Ave. SE , Grand Rapids, Mich.
9. Grand Rapids Buddhist Temple and Zen Center, 451 South Division St., Grand Rapids, Mich.
For on-campus Christian ministries, visit www.campusministrygv.com.