Dear Editor,
I believe no other place on campus can rival the Recreation Center in terms of social exposure, healthy lifestyle education and emotional wellbeing. Recreation by definition means: a pastime, diversion, exercise, or other resource affording relaxation and enjoyment. Contrary to the negative stereotypes of most recreation centers, I believe the Sonoma State Campus Recreation Center is more than just a "meat market" where people are waiting to be judged. The Recreation Center is in fact a place to improve ones physical, emotional, environmental, occupational, social, and intellectual health.
The Rec Center is simply more than a weight room; as stated in last weeks opinion article, it's an extraordinary building that house programs to meet the needs of every individual on campus. Our fitness center, or "weight room," does in fact carry cutting-edge exercise equipment with countless free-weights and multiple televisions, but what is often overlooked not taken advantage of is its educated staff. The Fitness Center staff has been trained to help each participant become comfortable with the facility; including getting acquainted with equipment, teaching proper technique, and enforcing gym etiquette. The mirrors are there to help you monitor your form. They are important in insuring that you have a safe workout.
This Recreation Center offers a great outlet for clubs and sport teams to reserve space for practice time, or games. Blood Drives cater to public service, and are often sponsored by sororities and held in the McKinley Gym. Another service is the Rock Wall, which can offer a new and different work out to the typical "weight lifter" while being spiritual and educational. Stepping outside of your norm is encouraged, and challenging yourself to new heights is rewarding.
This environment is really what you make it, and we don't discriminate against those who are here for a 15 min jog, a yoga class, or intense bodybuilding, even if you're here to simply "look good naked." We welcome any student or member to come try different things like Intramurals, if you have that competitive edge, or Outdoor Pursuits, if you just want to get away.
If working out is intimidating, as it is for me sometimes, the certified Personal Trainers are here to teach you the "how to" of exercise.
If weights and cardio simply isn't your thing, then the In Motion program may offer a great alternative. Group Certified instructors create an atmosphere that makes working out with your peers a fun, stress relieving activity.
I encourage and challenge those who feel these stereotypes are overwhelming to actually write a suggestion to better the environment at the Rec; suggestion boxes are located around the building. If writing isn't your thing, then come up to the Glacier Bay offices and talk to one of the coordinators and full-time staff about your ideas, the staff are always willing to go that extra mile to make you comfortable in your Rec Center.
As far as towels go, yes they are offered in the Fitness Center, and yes they are sometimes being washed and not available.
Because this building offers so many great opportunities to its members the facility is always busy with participants who are in need of towels. Washing these towels is done as often as necessary throughout the day, and it is common that during the busiest hours, between 5pm and 10pm, towels run out.
Its therefore encouraged that you bring your own towel during this time, there simply aren't enough to always go around. We have always and will continue to do our best in supplying participants with what they need to make their work out their own.
When everything else is closed on campus next semester, Campus Rec will be open, so come in to find your new favorite activity!
~ Morgan Carvajal, Student
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