FITting it in

Students have a wide variety of equipment and classes to choose from at the Student Recreation & Wellness Center. Photo by Journalism 311 student Nichole Hamilton

  
Finding time to exercise between classes and cramming for midterms can be a difficult challenge for students, but luckily for CSULB coeds that problem has been solved.

Earlier this year, Cal State Long Beach unveiled the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, a state-of-the-art full service gym where students could enjoy amenities such as an indoor track, various high quality exercise equipment and a lap and leisure pool. Already a huge success among students and faculty, the new gym even offers specialty classes, intramural sports, and personal trainers are always on-hand ready to assist you with your specific needs.

While the gym has something for just about everybody, finding time to go to the gym is often a challenge for students who carry a full course load, have a part time job, and an active social life. Thanks to the SRWC's ever-convenient location, fitting in a quick workout has become easier than ever for students.

“Having such a busy schedule with work and school, I appreciate the two hour break I have in between my classes because it gives me the opportunity to go to the gym that is just a walking distance from my classes,” said sophomore Aileen Manjarrez.

Convenience is key when it comes to exercise. Low impact workouts such jogging the indoor track, using the elliptical machines, and lifting light weights are helpful ways to get in shape without breaking too much of a sweat between classes. Even if your workout tends to be more intense, the SRWC comes equip with showers and digital lockers to house your school supplies and clothes.

Not only is having the gym on campus a convenience as far as location, the price tag for the gym virtually bares no burden on your wallet. Already factored into the cost of tuition, no signing fees are necessary and getting in that quick workout is as easy as getting your hand scanned. With the success of the SRWC on the Cal State Long Beach campus, students are hopeful their friends at other state universities will get to enjoy a wellness center of their own soon.

“I do believe it is important that all campuses incorporate a fitness center because it gives every busy student the opportunity to fit at least 30 minutes of their time to workout during a break or before and after class,” said Manjarrez.