On the west end of campus stands the striking Student Recreation Center. Recently built, it offers new and exciting opportunities for those looking for some fun activities. The “Rec Center” incorporates various elements that have a wide range of appeal and suit many different people.
My personal favorite place in the Rec Center is the Fitness Lab where you can work out with a mix of free weights or machines. The Fitness Lab also includes multiple treadmills, elliptical machines, and stationary bikes. This is where I will be focusing most of the next upcoming weeks, looking at the different equipment available, how to use it properly, and how to incorporate it into an effective workout. The Fitness Lab is open Monday through Thursday from 6:00am to 10:00pm, on Friday from 6:00am to 8:00pm, on Saturday from 10:00am to 6:00pm, and on Sunday from 12:00pm to 8:00pm.
The Rec Center also includes an 8 lane, 25 yard swimming pool with 2 diving boards, one that is 1 meter and the other a 3 meter. Also in the Noratorium is a 14 person spa that is in the shape of the Mines’ logo. The Noratorium is open August 18, 2008 to December 23, 2008 with mornings on Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00am to 8:00am. The lunch session is open Monday through Friday from 11:00 to 1:00pm and the evening session open Monday through Thursday from 6:30pm to 8:30pm and Friday from 6:30pm to 8:00 pm. On Saturday and Sunday the sessions are from 12:00pm to 6:00pm.
Increasing in popularity is the indoor climbing wall located right inside the main entrance of the Rec Center. Routes range in skill level and classes are available to learn how to climb if you have never attempted it. The climbing wall is open Monday through Thursday from 5:30pm to 9:30pm, on Friday from 4:30pm to 7:45pm, and on Sunday from 5:30pm to 7:45pm. Other activities and facilities in the Rec Center include Lockridge Arena, a recreation gymnasium where everything from floor hockey to basketball to volleyball is able to be played. Above the rec gym is an elevated jogging track that is a 1/16 mile, three lane track that also has a couple clocks in case you forgot your watch and wanted to keep time; if running make sure to see which direction runners are supposed to go that day. Equipment for just about any sport you can think of is available to check out, ask the person at the desk and they will be able to check you out.
A great place to go after all this physical exertion is the Juice Lab where they serve common snacks, beverages, and many kinds of delicious smoothies; you are able to use Munch Money at the Juice Lab. There are also full locker rooms with showers for both men and women.
Remember to always be courteous to others while in the Rec Center. If you need help locating something do not hesitate to ask the person at the main desk; also remember to bring your Blaster Card because it is required for entry into the Rec Center.
One part of the Rec Center I did not mention is the Outdoor Recreation Center. I will cover this more in depth later in the week because they offer many great services outside of the Rec Center for students.
