Author Archives: alexaliptak

Take A Hike! Highlighting Trails Near Campus

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As the weather outside starts to warm up and everyone defrosts from the cold winter, some students may be looking to take advantage of the beauty that Kamloops has to offer.  We’re so lucky that Kamloops has so many trails and hikes of all levels for anyone to enjoy, with some even closer to campus than students may realize. These hikes offer an easy and accessible way for students to stay active.  

Trail walking is so simple and perfect for anyone to enjoy, with limited items necessary. Just a pair of shoes and some water is all someone needs. The trail featured in my video is beginner-friendly, with gentle inclines and scenic views, making it perfect for students and community members alike. Kenna Cartwright Park is just a six-minute drive from campus or a 20-minute walk.

According to research, fresh air can help benefit and boost mental health. Being in nature for even a short 30 minutes can reduce stress, boost mood and improve creativity. After studying for long hours, a quick hike outside with friends can help refresh and clear your mind and catch up with your friends in a fun way.  

The next time you’re looking for an easy way to take a break from school and studying, why don’t you try hiking on an easy trail? It’s the perfect way to get fresh air and enjoy Kamloops’s natural beauty. 

WEEKLY YOGA WITH ANDREA BRASSARD

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This week I sat down with Andrea Brassard, A certified yoga instructor, who offers a free recreational class here at TRU on Monday at North Tower. The classes, called “Yoga for Weekly Movement and Breathwork “, are an hour-long class where Brassard teaches a mix of Hatha and kundalini yoga.  two practices that focus on both physical and mental well-being. two practices that focus on both physical and mental well-being.

Hatha is a branch of yoga that focuses on the physical and mental well-being of someone. It’s often practiced at a slower pace, making you mindful of your breathing and controlled movements, therefore emphasizing the stress-relieving benefits of this particular yoga. Kundalini is a different branch of yoga that is a more spiritual practice, which works by combining breathwork, meditation, and dynamic movement to awaken the inner energy. Brassard’s class focuses on mixing these two yoga types together to help students find their focus and support their mental health. 

With exam season approaching, students may find themselves overwhelmed with the pressure of deadlines and studying. For students who need to take a step away from their studies and reset with some light physical activity and a chance to relieve some of their stress, this class is a great resource for that. Whether you are a yoga pro or have never tried it before, Brassard’s class offers a welcoming space for everyone to recharge both mentally and physically.

Stay Active, Stay Connected: Free Fitness Classes With TRU Recreation 

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School can be a difficult thing to handle. With the stress of class and all the assignments and tests you have building on your plate sometimes it can be hard to find time to stay active and take care of your mental health. If you’re new to Kamloops you may find it difficult to meet new people. Well TRU recreation offers a variety of fitness classes for students and TRU staff members to take. 

Hosted in the Old Gym on campus, TRU has a week’s schedule full of classes you can browse and take. It is a great way to stay active and relieve some stress. The program includes classes such as Zumba, Pilates Fusion, Bootcamp Circuit, Strength Training, and various yoga sessions. The classes run Mondays through Fridays, with multiple different times throughout the day. All classes are 40 minutes long and open for all levels of experience, so there’s no need to worry about having never taken a fitness class before. 

After long days of studying and school, a nice way to take a break and refresh, is to move your body. Exercise is widely known for the benefits it has on mental health. These fitness classes can help release endorphins through physical activity, which helps boost your mood, clear your mind and reduce anxiety. 

Besides the health benefits, the classes can offer a great place for you to meet new people. If you’re new to the city or the university, sometimes you may find it hard to meet new friends. These group classes can offer a safe space with you to interact with like minded people. Whether you bond over a tough workout or encourage each other during a challenging session, these shared experiences can lead to lasting friendships.

The best part is… they’re all free! So that means you reap all the rewards of a quick workout without any extra cost. So why not check out a yoga class you know you’ve always wanted to try or even a Zumba class to pump up your energy!

Alexa Liptak

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Hey everyone! My name is Alexa Liptak, and I am a second-year communications and journalism student at Thompson Rivers University (TRU). I aspire to build a career with my degree in sports broadcasting or journalism, to combine my love of athletics with storytelling. 

I am originally from Surrey, BC but I moved to Kamloops for school in 2023. So, unfortunately, I have only ever experienced cold winters and not the beautiful summers this city is known to have.

I currently work with the Kamloops Blazers, as well as a new women-run sports media company called “Girls at the Games”.  I’ve also written a few articles for TRU’s newspaper, The Omega, which has been an exciting opportunity to develop my journalism skills.

besides work and school, many of my hobbies include the outdoors and staying active. Being from the coast, I have always loved to hike and be outdoors, especially on trails with stunning ocean views. I’m also a big sports fan, so I absolutely love going to games with my friends, especially when we get to cheer on my Canucks.

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