Let's Get Physical

With spring fast approaching, many St. Ambrose University students are taking full advantage of the nicer weather and partaking in recreational activities such as working out or going for walks. However, when rehearsals for the upcoming musical production Cabaret first began, it was a bit too chilly to be able to exercise outside.

Luckily for the cast members, St. Ambrose just opened a brand-new Wellness and Recreational Center (WRC) this past fall, so students were able to get in shape in ways they never were before!

The 80,000 square-feet building was constructed and finished in August of 2017 providing a new home for St. Ambrose athletic teams, as well as workout equipment that can be used by all students.

Among the building's many amenities, the recreational center includes a six-lane indoor track, a wide array of weightlifting racks, and an upstairs cardio room that includes lots of machines such as treadmills and ellipticals.

These different exercise areas have helped Cabaret members be able to get in shape before the upcoming production. Many cast members have focused on cardio in order to prepare for singing in the midst of some intense dance numbers and have done ab and leg exercises to be able to maintain some of the more intricate dance moves. These facilities have been an incredible addition to students' lives, because it allows them to break a sweat without having to freeze outside.

Another wonderful amenity of the building is the new movement room. This room comes equipped with hardwood floors and a large mirror at the front which is commonly used by St. Ambrose students who like participating in yoga or Zumba.

However, Cabaret cast members have been fortunate enough to be able to rehearse dance numbers in this room for the production. The large mirror helps cast members notice their synchronization and allows the choreographer - the wonderful Andrea Moore - to be able to teach the dances rather quickly, which helps streamline the rehearsal process and use everyone's time more efficiently!

All in all, the new WRC has been a wonderful addition to the St. Ambrose campus. While the athletes have found a new home, the fact that the facilities can be used by all students free of charge has drastically helped in Cabaret rehearsals. The cast members are grateful for this amazing building and are starting to see the positive results of their workouts in rehearsals.

If you, too, would like to see their workout results, or if you just love a good show tune, please plan to attend our production of Cabaret on April 20-22, 2018. The cast and crew would love to see you there!