Fitness Challenges

We offer various fitness challenges or competitions that can be completed at any time during operational hours. Participants that successfully complete the challenge standards or win a competition are awarded. Ask a Fitness Attendant for more details. 

Date: August 1 to August 30

Location: EUREC Fitness Floor

Time: During operational hours

Description: Think you've got the grit to last? Competitors will face off to see who can hold a dumbbell straight out in front the longest without dropping it.

Open to UTRGV Students & UREC Members, for more information please email recfitness@utrgv.edu. 

Date: September 2, 2025 to September 30, 2025

Location: EUREC Fitness Floor

Time: During operational hours

Description: 

Think you're the strongest on campus? Prove it in our Squat Challenge! It's not about who can lift the most weight, but who's the strongest relative to their body weight.

How it works:

  • You'll have three attempts to lift the heaviest weight you can.

  • Your final score will be calculated by dividing your heaviest successful lift by your body weight.

  • A member of our fitness staff must be present to verify each lift.

Important rules:

  • Proper squat form is a must to avoid injury and ensure your lift counts.

  • Safety first! You're required to wear a weightlifting belt and have a spotter for all attempts.

Sign up at the back desk and let's see what you've got!

Open to UTRGV Students & UREC Members, for more information please email recfitness@utrgv.edu. 

Date: October 1, 2025 to October 31, 2025

Location: EUREC Fitness Floor

Time: During operational hours

Description: 

Get into the spooky spirit and build some strength with the BOO-ty Lift Challenge! We're putting your glutes and hamstrings to the test in this one-minute challenge. See how many reps of the barbell Romanian Deadlift (RDL) you can complete to win some terrifyingly good prizes.

How it Works:

You'll have one minute to perform as many barbell Romanian Deadlifts as possible. This is a high-rep, muscular endurance challenge, so get ready to feel the burn!

The Rules:

  • Women's Barbell: 1 plate (45 lbs) on each side

  • Men's Barbell: 2 plates (45 lbs) on each side

  • You have one minute to complete as many reps as you can.

  • All reps must be performed with proper form to be counted.

Ready to put your strength to the test? Stop by the rec and see if you have what it takes to dominate the BOO-ty Lift Challenge!

Open to UTRGV Students & UREC Members, for more information please email recfitness@utrgv.edu. 

Date: November 1, 2025 to November 30, 2025

Location: EUREC Fitness Floor

Time: During operational hours

Description: 

Ready to test your core strength? This simple challenge is all about endurance. How long can you hold a perfect plank? The winner gets bragging rights and a prize that will make your core happy.

How it Works:

You'll get in a starting position, then hold a proper plank for as long as possible. We'll time you to see who has the best core endurance.

The Rules:

  • Starting Position: You can start with your hands on the ground in fists (pinky side down) or with your palms flat and forearms on the ground, forming a triangle. Your hips should be bent with at least one knee on the ground.

  • On "Go": You'll lift into a standard plank position.

  • The Goal: Hold the plank for as long as you can. A fitness attendant will ensure you maintain proper form throughout the challenge.

Think you have what it takes? Get ready to plank!

Open to UTRGV Students & UREC Members, for more information please email recfitness@utrgv.edu. 

Date: December 1, 2025 to December 12, 2025

Location: EUREC Fitness Floor

Time: During operational hours

Description: 

Get ready for the 12 Days of Fit-mas Challenge, a fun and festive way to stay active! Inspired by the classic holiday song, this challenge has you add a new exercise to your routine each day. You'll start with one move on Day 1, two on Day 2, and continue to build a complete, full-body workout by Day 12. It's a great way to build strength, challenge yourself, and feel great all season long!

Check in with a fitness attendant at the back desk to accomplish the workout of the day.

Open to UTRGV Students & UREC Members, for more information please email recfitness@utrgv.edu. 

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