If or when Memphis gets snow this winter, the Student Recreation and Fitness Center guarantees it won't be the only thing to melt away.The SRFC will be open over the break for any U of M student, faculty or staff that feels the need to melt some extra pounds gained over the holiday season.
"They'll be making their New Year's resolutions in terms of workout ethics and items like that," said Jim Vest, director of the SRFC. Although there is a rise in attendance in January compared to December, the winter break is still an opportunity for anyone who wants to exercise without a crowd.
The Recreation Center offers a variety of equipment, including cross training, recumbent bikes, elliptical trainers, other cardiovascular machines and pool access.
Most of the equipment offers a much better workout than dodging baby strollers at the mall or hauling around bags of last-minute gifts on Christmas Eve.
Although all of the main facilities will be open, the SRFC will suspend their group activities during the break.
Students must be registered for at least six hours in the spring semester to use the facilities for free. Students taking less than six hours must pay $3 per use, according to Bob Young, coordinator of facility scheduling.
While students registered for the spring will have use of the center for both the winter break and for the spring semester, later in the spring semester they may also have the use of new state-of-the-art equipment.
"We're looking to spend approximately $350,000 for new equipment as of the next semester," said Vest. "What we're doing is trying, by industry standards, to replace equipment every three to five years."The possibilities for improvement come as an exciting surprise to sophomore political science major Robert Desio.
"I thought (the SRFC) was pretty well equipped anyway, so that's cool. That should entice more people to go," he said. "Actually I had a gym membership to 24 Hour Fitness and I came here and was pretty impressed with it."
Vest said the money would go to upgrade much of the equipment, including treadmills, circuit training and free weights.
The center will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. most days during the break, a time that may not be convenient for some.
"I think they should keep it open later," said Desio. "A lot of people work. I work until 6 or 7 p.m. everyday, so it would be more convenient."
