University Rec Center

    The university rec center is more than just a gym, with a quick swipe of their ID cards, students gain access to a lively environment full of activities and opportunities to meet some new people with shared interests. One of the workers described the rec as “Pretty laid back and relaxed here, people come and go doing their own thing, it’s a great place where students can get out of their dorms and escape the stresses of school.”

    Students have such a wide verity of options when it comes to things to do at the rec. One of the main attractions is the weight room, a space filled with a row of power racks lining one wall and another wall lined with increasing free weights. Mirrors stretch across each wall creating a brighter and more open feel to the gym. This allows for lifters to see their form and the intensity of their workouts. The floor of the weight room is filled with an assortment of lifting machines scattered throughout. These are perfect for adding more variability in your workouts and can provide more stability and promote better target of the intended muscles than with traditional free weights. Most people keep to themselves with their headphones on, usually working out alone or with a friend. There isn't much conversation in the air. The only sounds are metal clanking together, slamming of weights on the floor and the occasional deep breath/grunt from someone pushing their limits. A similar room in terms of feel is the cardio room. Lined with rows of treadmills and stationary bikes facing a span of TVs across the front wall. The synchronized hum of the machines along with rhythmic pounding of footsteps create an energetic environment perfect for warming up before a workout and just a heart pounding cardio session. 

    For those who enjoy team sports the rec has multiple courts for basketball and a court for volleyball set up. Where you can practice and fine tune your individual skills or put those skills to the test in a pick up game against other students. These games are full of energy and are often a social hub where you can meet new people both on your team and opposing.  A track surrounds the courts and is equal to 1/8th of a mile. This is another great place to warm up if a treadmill isn't your thing or just a place to run inside when the weather outside isn't cooperating. Club sports such as ultimate frisbee, baseball, and dance are also offered. These can be a great opportunity to help bring people together around shared passions. 

    A stretch of turf is available is installed often used as a stretching area. Accompanied by medicine balls and light dumbbells provide for effective core training or power and explosiveness with med ball throws. Moreover can help promote flexibility and mobility along with balance and overall fitness. Foam rollers to help relax muscles are recover are also available. Friends joking and making jokes fill he air in this area while stretching or challenging each other in workouts. Neighboring are inclosed rooms with bright lighting and white walls for racket sports such as pickle ball, badminton,  or even ping pong can be a great place to play with and against friends. Finally for a change of pace the indoor rock wall is a great place to challenge yourself and seek adventure. This place is filled with safety mats and only open under the supervision of a worker to ensure the climbers safety. Whether you are a pro or a first time climber its a great activity to build muscle and confidence during this unique workout experience.

  

          The rec is worked by student workers, "we usually sit at the desk and assist with any questions, make sure people check in, we also distribute equipment such as basketballs and volleyballs in exchange for students id cards, and when they return the equipment they can get their card back. This helps protect our equipment from being stolen. When we have down time at the desk we tend to use it for studying and getting caught up on our school work.” All these activities tend to stay pretty busy throughout the day. "On average we have about about 780 people scan into the rec each day. These are primary students but professors can access also access the rec. Along with people in the community such as former alumni with the availability to purchase a pass/membership to use the rec's facilities." With all these people you must think it can get pretty dirty. But, "People are usually pretty good about cleaning up after themselves, but me and the staff do clean things up if necessary after we close or before we open." Every visit to the rec cleanliness is never a concern and it even smells fresh.

       

            From the weight room, to playing team sports, or even individual activities the rec center has something for everyone. It provides more than just a place to workout, its an escape fromm the stresses of school and a place to meet new people and form connections around shared interests. Whether you scoring on your friends in a pick up game or getting in a good stretch, the rec has an energetic and welcoming environment that promotes both individual growth along with a sense of community. No matter your physical abilities or interests theres a place here in Bloomsburg where you can thrive and push yourself everyday.