On October 17, International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) partnered with UT Austin’s RecSports to host a special Wellness Fridays event: an introductory mat Pilates class led by UT senior Tara.
The session offered international students a chance to try something new, move their bodies, and learn more about a free benefit available to all UT students: three complimentary TeXercise group exercise classes each semester.
Wellness Fridays is a recurring series organized by the Intercultural Programs and Initiatives team at Texas Global’s ISSS to promote balance, connection, and well-being in the international student community. Each event highlights a different aspect of well-being, helping students develop practical strategies for maintaining a healthy lifestyle while studying at UT.
Past Wellness Fridays have highlighted themes like managing finances, promoting compassion and a sense of belonging, and making balanced nutrition choices. This month’s Pilates session added a focus on physical wellness through mindful movement.
Introducing Pilates
Before the workout began, Tara, a certified TeXercise instructor, took a few minutes to explain what Pilates is and what participants could expect. She described Pilates as a low-impact form of exercise focused on core strength, stability, and posture. Unlike high-intensity workouts, it emphasizes controlled movements and mindful breathing, making it accessible to all fitness levels.
Tara guided participants through a series of foundational mat exercises, using light hand weights and small exercise balls to help students engage different groups of muscles and improve their stability. She emphasized focused, controlled movements and mindful breathing throughout the session, creating an environment where participants could strengthen their body awareness and balance.
Discovering TeXercise
After class, the ISSS and RecSports staff shared more about the TeXercise program — a diverse lineup of group fitness classes that includes yoga, cycling, Zumba, kickboxing, and more. Every enrolled student receives three free class passes each semester, offering students a great opportunity to explore different movement forms before committing to a membership.
Many students took the opportunity to speak with the RecSports instructors afterward, asking about other TeXercise class options and how to register. Staff encouraged them to explore the weekly schedule, which offers dozens of classes held throughout the week at Gregory Gym and the Recreational Sports Center.
They also emphasized that wellness can take many forms — physical activity, social connection, or simply taking time to recharge mentally between classes.
Building Community Through Wellness
Beyond the exercise itself, the event created a space for students to meet new friends in a relaxed and supportive environment. Participants came from countries across the globe — including India, China, South Korea, and Brazil — and found common ground through shared effort as they moved through the exercises together.
Events like this one remind students that wellness is not just about fitness but also about belonging. By collaborating with RecSports, ISSS continues to highlight campus resources that support both the physical and emotional well-being of international students.
Looking ahead, ISSS will continue the Wellness Fridays series with two upcoming events:
- UFCU Financial Wellness Lunch on November 7, where students can learn strategies for budgeting and managing money in the United States.
- CMHC Wellness Lunch on November 14, focusing on practical tools for maintaining mental well-being.
Both sessions will provide valuable insights and resources to help students thrive throughout the semester.
This blog post was contributed by Sarah Chiu, a program coordinator on the Intercultural Programs and Initiatives team at ISSS.
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