While dealing with Covid-19 restrictions, The Hamilton Recreation Center still holds a number of fitness opportunities for students.

Coworkers at the Gym, Micah Hightower and Kami Thompson recounted staff fitness challenges while working. One of the challenges split the staff into teams, and the team that went to the most Group X classes would win the challenge.

“It was kind of just an initiative to get more people out to the Group X classes and help the trainers with our attendance. And so the team’s we broke up all the workers at the Rec Center into different separate teams. And whatever team had the most attendance ended up winning surprises at the end of November,” Hightower said.

Group X classes offer a range of exercise groups to join. Classes offered include Yoga, weightlifting, boxing, and bodyweight exercises. According to Thompson, Group X classes are beneficial to students because it can teach students how to exercise properly so they don’t injure themselves.

Classes offered at the Rec Center are a great way to start a fitness regime. The Hamilton Recreation Center is a welcoming stress-free environment for students to exercise before they entire a professional work environment. According to Hightower, the Rec Center is a friendly environment compared to some other gyms

“The variety of equipment we have is really nice. We have like an Olympic weightlifting area. Also it’s, just I think for me, my mindset is, you have the membership. And you’re only gonna have it for four years. So like, I’m a senior and I gotta start using it while I have,” Hightower said.

Gym classes and exercising is a good way to meet new people along with creating habits that are better for one’s well being. 

“It’s a great way to meet people as well. That’s true for incoming freshmen, I think that, going to the gym and asking or chatting with people. I know the climbing wall is a community, so you can walk in there, and you can introduce yourself and you’ll immediately get like five friends,” Thompson said.

Exercise can also be a great release for emotions during a busy semester. Thompson called exercise a great coping mechanism. An exercise routine can create a sense of normalcy in the middle of a hectic school schedule. 

“I think that when I’m exercising consistently and I have a really crazy schedule especially like right now I have 17 credits and jobs. If I don’t work out I just feel like I have less energy. You know, if you do it in the morning, especially for me […] it’s just easier for me to keep accomplishing goals throughout the day. And it’s also just a good de-stressor. Like you’re gonna have a lot of pent up energy I feel like you’re just sitting in classrooms all day,” Hightower said.

The Hamilton Recreation Center follows Covid-19 restrictions to create a safe workout environment for attending students. Temperature scans, green screen checks and masks being worn are common protocol for everyone in attendance. The Rec Center is a safe and friendly environment for students to meet their fitness goals.