Work Out for Free at Newly Expanded Rec Center

Rec Center

The newly expanded Student Recreation Center opened this week. Campus employees can work out there for free next Thursday.

By Alexis Blue, University Communications January 13, 2010

The newly expanded Student Recreation Center Opened its doors for the first time this week.

For some University employees, ringing in the New Year might mean adding a trip to the gym to their daily routine. But for those having trouble keeping their resolutions to get fit, this semester's free Rec Days at the Student Recreation Center could provide a little extra incentive.

University employees, retirees and alumni are invited to work out in the newly expanded Student Recreation Center free of charge on Rec Days, the first of which is scheduled for next Thursday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The center's recently completed 55,000-square-foot-expansion, which officially opened on Monday, includes a 30,000-square-foot weight room, rock climbing features, 104 new pieces of cardiovascular equipment with televisions, a multi-activity gymnasium and more.

The center is the first building on the UA campus to receive a Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for its sustainable design.

Employees, retirees and alumni without a Campus Recreation membership can test-drive the center's new equipment at no charge from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Jan. 21, March 4, April 1 and May 6.

In addition, they can visit the center for free Feb. 22-26, during regular hours, in honor of the facility's grand opening celebration, dubbed "The Big Green Event." There will be an official ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony at 11 a.m. on Feb. 22 followed by "Rec Fest" from 3-7 p.m. on Feb. 23, which will feature music, food, games, prize giveaways, free massages, acupuncture, cancer screenings and more.

During that week, employees can get a 10 percent discount on annual memberships, which normally cost $11.46 a paycheck for employees on a 12-month contract, said Jody Liller, Campus Recreation marketing coordinator. 

Liller said the Recreation Center often sees an influx in customers in January, as people begin to tackle their weight loss and fitness goals for the year. She encouraged people to grab a friend and stop by to check out the newly expanded facility and relieve some stress through exercise.

"One of the best ways to help keep that New Year's resolution is a buddy system," she said.