Kansas University students have many opportunities to stay fit off campus.

Bike trails, city sport leagues and alternative fitness options, such as yoga, are all available in Lawrence.

Kathy Truong, a Lawrence senior, enjoys being outside. She runs and bikes along Clinton Parkway, near her neighborhood.

“Biking is more relaxing than running because you can go for longer,” Truong said. “It doesn’t even feel like you’re working out.”

Biking is Peter Van Auken’s favorite recreation in the fall. He bikes near Clinton Lake and the Kansas River.

“Mountain biking near the river is more on edge,” said Van Auken, Prairie Village senior. “I like being bounced around by the rocks; the chance of falling brings excitement and is appealing to me.”

Van Auken said finding time for school and exercise is a balancing act.

“I sometimes sacrifice class time for exercise,” Van Auken said.

Yoga also is important for Van Auken. He belongs to Bikram’s Yoga, 711 W. 23rd St. He compared yoga with karate lessons he took when he was younger.

“They are both disciplined,” Van Auken said. “I listen to an instructor, someone who has already mastered the art, and I learn from him, kind of like learning from your professor.”

He said yoga had physical and emotional benefits.

“It’s always the same medicine,” he said. “You are healing yourself through activity. It’s like wringing yourself out like a towel.”

Many students participate in Lawrence Parks and Recreation leagues: volleyball, basketball and softball.

Kathy Truong, a Kansas University senior from Lawrence, jogs on a path along Clinton Parkway.

“KU students mix with nonstudents. We have teams with all the same guys in a fraternity, and living organizations form teams also,” said Bob Stanclift, adult sport supervisor.

Ashley Bolton, Wichita junior, played in the summer softball league.

Bolton started playing softball in college when she joined an intramural team and eventually a Lawrence Parks and Recreation league.

She said she did not like working out and thought softball was a good way to stay in “reasonably good shape while having fun at the same time.”

“I’ve met a lot of people and made a lot of friends that I wouldn’t have met without joining the league,” said Bolton, whose softball team placed second in summer league.

Lawrence Parks and Recreation facilities are free to the public.

Tim Laurent, facilities operations supervisor, said college students used the Community Building, 114 W. 11th St., because it is nearer to campus.

“It’s a valuable alternative when the rec center (Student Fitness Recreation Center) is full,” Laurent said. “We always welcome students here.”