I’m sure you’ve heard this expression for years, yet you probably still hesitate to ask questions in fear of feeling silly. Fear not. No question equals no answer! In order to better serve you, my staff and me decided to find out exactly what information you are lacking about Campus Rec.
This week, instead of only bothering patrons within the Rec, I ventured outside onto campus. Maybe the people who shy away from the Rec simply have uncertainties that they need answers to. Maybe that’s not the case- but either way it provided me with twice the entertainment.
There were a few off-the-wall questions that made my day; but most centered on a misunderstanding of Campus Rec hours.
I completely understand this question. In fact, as a promotions staff member, I am part of the team whose job is to make sure you are aware of this information. Our program area designs and maintains displays of current information such as: hours, events, etc.
Let me clue you in on something that may help you better understand the hours. Have you ever noticed the Rec staff members walking around with clipboards? They are counting how many people are entering the Rec every hour. Why? So we know when to be open! The hours are catered to when YOU use it the most. Campus Rec debuted with much longer hours, and during certain time periods no one was here!
As far as cutting hours in the summer, take a look at these numbers:
Fall 2009- an average of 1,000 visited the Rec a day
Spring 2010- an average of 1,200
So far this summer- 700 people per day
That’s a 41.6 percent decrease in visitors from the spring to the summer!
Campus Rec is not a 24-hour facility mainly because not enough people would use it at random hours of the night. Keeping the Rec open 24-hours would involve forcing student workers to be up all night while attending classes during the day. Sounds like a pain that would cause arguments over shift selection- not to mention some very grumpy staff members with bad grades.
That being said, what are our hours right now?
Monday-Friday 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday- Sunday Noon- 8 p.m.
When the fall semester beings, our hours will increase- staying open until midnight most nights. C’mon, that should be ample time to get your sweat on!
All right, this next part might not make you too happy. There are certain circumstances that cause the Rec to close early or not open at all. Two are coming up.
The first is August 14- 15. This is graduation weekend and we will not have as many visitors. Therefore, the hours will be reduced to Noon- 5 p.m. instead of 8 p.m. (sorry). Congratulations to those who are graduating! What a great accomplishment.
The other upcoming inconvenience is August 23- 25. Over these three days the Rec will be closed all together. Before every new semester the entire Rec staff (aquatics, IMS, facility, etc.) comes together for training. There are so many staff members that the entire Rec Center is needed! On the positive, we kill two birds with one stone during this time and have the entire place thoroughly cleaned. Who wants to workout in a pigsty? Not I. Hey that rhymed.
If you’re worried about keeping up with all of this information, handbills (mini flyers) are available in the Lumberjack Lounge, at the kiosk by the welcome desk and in a rack by the locker rooms. During the school year, information about intramurals and other special events will be located in these same areas. OR, if you’re going green, I’ve seen people take pictures of the information on their cell phones to eliminate excess paper.
The same pretty much goes for the pool. It gets the most use during the day, so that’s when it’s open. When we did have longer pool hours, hardly anyone came at night! Closing early is the most practical thing to do.
ATTENTION ALUMNI! Did you know you can cancel and renew your membership at anytime? Unlike other gyms, Campus Rec offers a month-by –month system. Don’t want to pay for December when the students are on Christmas break? Fine. Cancel your membership and come back for the New Year. Going on vacation for two weeks in July? Great. Well see you in August! Considering that Campus Rec is a student facility, there is a cap on alumni memberships. BUT if you sign up once, you will never lose your spot- even if you cancel.
Here are your other questions:
1. What are the massage prices?
One of my previous blogs dealt with this question. I visited the Campus Rec masseur, Therese Hosteller, to find out all about her services. Like you, I had no idea!
Hosteller offers services to both members and non-members. Her specialties are: Chair Massage, Reflexology, Table Massage, Swedish Massage, Sport Massage, Trigger Point Massage and Deep Tissue. The prices are $12 for 15 minutes, $25 for 30 minutes and $50 for 60 minutes.
For a complete price list and massage descriptions visit our website at: http://www.sfasu.edu /campusrec/massage-therapy/index.asp
To make an appointment call: (936) 468- 8408
Also, read my June blog entry titled “Massages to-go?” for my Campus Rec massage review.
2. Does it cost to participate in a group exercise class?
That's a big fat NO!
When you wish to participate in a group exercise class, simply tell a staff member at the checkout desk which class you shall attend. You will then receive a Jax Pass. Bring this pass with you to class and hand it in to the instructor. Each class has a limit, and Jax Passes are the staff’s way of keeping count.
For more information on what to expect in a group exercise class, check out the following blogs:
“Nobody gonna break my stride!’’
“Shaking it up in Zumba!”
“Breathe in breathe out…laugh.”
3. Did someone die from climbing the rock wall?
This may surprise you, but assuming it is done correctly, rock climbing is actually quite safe. I learned this when I rock climbed for the first time earlier in the summer (reference “I made it to the top!” for the story).
Outdoor Pursuits Graduate Assistant, George Giavasis, told me what actually happened. Someone was using the equipment incorrectly at the Rec and fell off the rock wall. They did not die! The floor is padded in case said situation occurs.
So climb on! It’s safe.
4. Was Campus Rec built on a graveyard?
Somewhat true. Campus Rec was built over the graveyard of the late tennis courts if you will. Hopefully not enough to scare people away- but you never know. Tennis is a difficult sport.
5. Is it true that Campus Rec has only been open for three years?
Yes! Campus Rec is in fact a toddler just learning to talk. Can you imagine life without it? I sure can’t. To me, Campus Rec is the center of everything. It unites the campus and gives us something to be proud of. Three years ago, students were limited to the HPE. If you have been in there, you know the weight room is modest. Now, the HPE serves as extra space! It’s also the main location for indoor intramural events. Isn’t it great to breathe! I don’t know how SFA alumni survived without the Rec when they were students. You must agree, considering all the concerns about it not being open long enough!
6. Is it true that the 40-person hot tub can fit 40 people?
Close, but no cigar. The Campus Rec hot tub is actually a 30-person hot tub; and yes it can indeed fit 30 people! Hmm think you just gave me an idea for a future blog…
Sadly, yes. :/ I judge you.
Facilities and Membership Services (1):
Dan Belcher of the University of Virginia
Outdoor Pursuits (1):
George Giavasis of Kent State University
Fitness, Wellness, and Aquatics(3):
Michael Ryan of California State University Northridge
Alissa Underhill of Washington State University
Greg Nord of Texas Christian University
Promotions and Sponsorships(1):
Kati Van Dunk of Stephen F. Austin State University
Intramural Sports, Sport Clubs, and Camps(2):
Travis Lankford of the University of Texas at Austin
Joe Wise of Texas A&M Universit
Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties, I will not be able to post the video of your questions at this time. But chin up! I have faith that my technology-savvy staff will get the problem corrected, and I will have it up in no time!
YOUR inside connection to Campus Rec- Steph
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