The University of Memphis' Student Recreation and Fitness Center has been the subject of scrutiny since a Faculty Senate boycott of the facility took effect in September of last year.
However, U of M students aren't complaining. Several said they're taking advantage of the facility and all it has to offer.
"I use it a couple of times a week to exercise," freshman biology major Janet Clark said. "It is convenient for me since I live on campus and can just walk over there."
"I go to workout," said Brad Compton, a freshman marketing major. "I think they have a nice weight room."
The Rec Center offers more than weight rooms and exercise equipment. The center has a variety of services and programs available, including intramural programs, aerobics classes, massages, dance classes and personal training sessions.
They also have activity areas which include basketball courts, volleyball courts, pools, a whirlpool, sauna, steam room, badminton courts, racquetball courts and tennis courts.
"There is other stuff to do around here besides just coming and working out," said Jane Orcholski, program coordinator for campus recreation. "We are also working with health services to provide a combination of what they're doing and what we're doing, because it all ties in."
Orcholski said a common misconception is many U of M students don't believe they pay for using the facilities.
"Students do pay," Orcholski said. "It is included in their student activity fees. Their fees go toward a lot of stuff that we have going on around here."
The cost for faculty and staff members depends on their annual salaries. If the person makes under $25,000, he or she pays $7.50 to use the facilities. If the person make more than $25,000, he or she pays $10.
"We tried to work it out so that it evens out to about the same amount that students pay," Orcholski said.
Barry Nichols, assistant area coordinator for Residence Life, said he often goes to the Fitness Center to encourage intramural activities.
"The people over there are wonderful," Nichols said. "I think it is a good facility and a good location."
