The Student Recreation Center offers a variety of opportunities for students, including team building, muscle building and employment.

“There’s so much to do once you’re here,” SRC Fitness Coordinator Glenda Richey said.

She said the best way to get motivated is to take one step into the SRC.

Students who have paid the recreation facility fee and present a Mane card are able to participate in group exercises, intramural sports, outdoor adventure trips and access to workout equipment.

Group exercise classes are free and are taught by UNA students.

UNA junior Lauren Howard said she attended both cycling and triple threat classes in the spring. She said both teachers were motivating and made the class fun.

“They made me actually enjoy exercising,” Howard said.

The SRC also provides free personal student trainers. To sign up to work with a trainer, students must contact Richey.

The trainers understand the pressures of schoolwork and are flexible when scheduling.

“I make sure I have all times available from early morning to late at night,” Richey said.

Richey encourages students to consider pairing up with a friend when requesting a trainer. She said it will increase the student’s motivation to get fit.

The weight room is located on the first floor of the building. In the spring the SRC hosted its first bench press competition in which 12 students participated.

The contest showed the competitors’ strength while providing a motivational atmosphere for everyone involved.

Richey said the SRC plans to have more fun competitions throughout the year.

The intramural sports program offers several sports, such as volleyball, flag football and basketball.

The games are refereed by students and allow the participants to meet new people.

The leagues are broken down into competitive men’s, recreational men’s, recreational women’s and some offer co-recreational.

The teams have the opportunity to play in the final round of competition and to win the championship for their sport.

The outdoor adventure program allows students to take hiking, rock climbing and camping trips.

The trips help with team bonding and allow students to experience nature in a different way.

Rappelling is another aspect of the program that takes place multiple times a semester.

The tower used is located behind Kilby School on Pine Street.

The SRC is the largest student employer on campus. Jobs range from group exercise instructor to facility monitor.

Open while classes are in session, the rSRC hosts a portion of the SOAR process during the summer.

“I hope the students see our enthusiasm towards working out,” Richey said. She wants the students to look at the SRC as a fun stress reliever.

For more information on personal trainers or student employment, contact Richey at [email protected].