The Campus Recreation Center provides various equipment students can utilitze for health and wellness.(Photo Courtesy of UAB Digital Asset Library)
If you’ve ever walked into the UAB Campus Recreation Center after class only to find every treadmill taken and the weight room packed, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions UAB students ask is, “When is the Rec Center the least busy?”
We went straight to the source to find out. Here’s what William Cornelio, assistant director for facility operations, had to say.
According to Cornelio, the Rec Center is busiest Monday through Friday after 5 p.m., right when students wrap up classes and faculty and staff finish their workday. If you want to avoid the rush, mornings and weekends are your best bet for open machines, more space and shorter wait times.
But timing isn’t the only thing that matters. Whether you’re a total beginner or a regular looking for something more challenging, Cornelio said there’s something for every type of gym-goer at the UAB Rec Center.
“If you are here, you belong here,” Cornelio said. “The best way to make use of the Rec is to make each visit your own. There’s no universal way to exercise and get fit.”
For beginners, he recommends checking out Gym Foundations, a personal training–based program that introduces students to the weight room, equipment and basic movements. Students can also explore intramural sports such as flag football, basketball and volleyball, or sign up for swim lessons and other recreation programs through the University Recreation website.
If you’re looking for a challenge, consider joining Group Fitness+ classes like Build and Blast or Functional Fitness. You can even level up your game with Club Sports, which include competitive teams that travel and practice multiple times a week.
No matter how you choose to get active, the Rec Center offers plenty of ways to make fitness fit you.