It’s Friday night and I get ready to head to the Recreation Center around 8 p.m. There are plenty of other activities I could be enjoying at this time but I am trying to keep up with my new exercise regimen.
Concerned with closing hours I checked on the website which stated Monday through Thursday 6 a.m. to 11.p.m., Friday 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday closed, and Sunday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Well ,that’s incorrect; it actually closes at 9 p.m. on Friday. So my normal hour in a half workout was cut in half.
So, I jump on the bike quickly to start working out. I love working out because it makes me feel so energized. That night I was stressed so it was a great de-stressor, but at the same time it got me thinking about how ridiculous it is to have hours cut so drastically.
In all my three years here I have been actively trying to stay fit by attending the Rec. I have purchased a locker for the year to keep my things in and it has been nice to have such flexible hours to attend when its convenient for me.
I am sure they are trying to save money but think about all the students who pay tuition to attend college and to have certain amenities, like a cafeteria or fitness center. I know the Racquet Facility is open when the Rec isn’t, but seriously, if you have ever been in that facility you aren’t going to fit too many people.
I just feel that we all know that my generation and the ones to follow are, well, lazy. It doesn’t help to cut off the resources that help us better our lives. I know not everyone wants to go to the gym at 6 a.m. or on a Friday or Saturday night, but some of us do.
I don’t care that only six of us were in the Rec on Friday night; everyone should be accounted for. If it is really an area of cutting costs, why not check into changing the type of lights used, or maybe try some sensor lights in the locker room? I feel there are other ways to cut costs, not by cutting hours.
I am a student who lives here year round and I would like to have the source of the Rec in case it’s rainy and too cold out to workout outside, and let’s face it: it is Michigan, we never know what kind of weather may happen.
I would love to see more students use this facility. There are plenty that already do. It is conveniently located with a large carrying capacity unlike the Racquet Facility. I think these changes of hours need to be reconsidered because I am sure I am not alone about this opinion. I am trying to keep up a healthy lifestyle and I have paid for a locker for a year and now have limited time. This will just create a schedule hassle with classes and work.
Why not do us a favor, Ferris, and keep the Rec open so we can have healthier lifestyles and not stay in the state of LAZY?