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We’re nearly 60 days into the new year. Are you on track to meet your health and wellness goals? Data from fitness tracking apps like Strava suggest that many people are not.

Research shows that most individuals abandon their New Year’s exercise goals within the first few weeks of January, with many giving up by the second Friday of the month – often called “Quitter’s Day.”

Michael Gurley, director of Wellness and Recreation, encourages perseverance. “My team and I are thrilled to support our campus and family community in reaching their wellness goals with ease and convenience right here on campus,” Gurley said. “From fitness to healthy eating, we provide the resources needed to help our members build and sustain a better lifestyle based on their timeline.”

�������� (GGC) full- and part-time faculty and staff can stay on track or restart their health journey at the institution’s on-campus , where membership is free year-round. Dependents over the age of 16 are also eligible for gym membership at a $10 fee per person. Anyone interested in joining the WRC may contact Kyle Ball, Payroll and Benefits analyst, for the employee membership and payroll deduction form (PDF).     

A hub for health and fitness

The WRC is more than just a gym; it serves as a vital space for academics, fitness and holistic health. The facility is used for academic courses such as physical education and exercise science and for recreational activities like volleyball and badminton.

Fitness offerings at WRC

The WRC provides a variety of cardio equipment, including Stair Masters, Jacobs Ladders and treadmills. Weightlifting options range from free weights and heavy lifting to functional fitness machines. 

Whether you are a novice or an advanced gym-goer, full-body workouts such as squats, deadlifts and machine weight exercises are available to help achieve personal fitness goals.

Student assistants are available to help with equipment, and personal trainers will soon be available to assist patrons one-on-one. Led by certified professionals, the personal training program will allow student trainers to provide customized workout plans. Sabrina Sieber, Wellness and Recreation Center coordinator, is a certified expert with a master’s degree in exercise science and oversees the program.

One of the prospective certified student trainers is A’liyah Jackson, a senior majoring in exercise science. “I understand the challenges of beginning a fitness journey and aim to create a welcoming and supportive experience for all participants who require personalized attention,” Jackson said.

Inspired by WRC staff, she became interested in personal training and is working towards certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Jackson’s current role focuses on body composition assessments, and once certified, she will offer appointment-based personal training to help individuals with weight loss, muscle gain and strength building. She plans to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy after graduation.

Additionally, the WRC offers a free body composition testing that measures total body weight and biometrics, helping individuals create a strategic fitness plan. Visit the WRC webpage for its operating hours.

Group fitness classes and intramural sports

Group fitness classes take place year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. These include yoga, TurnUp Dance, boxing, kickboxing, and Taekwondo, which is led by a student instructor.

Some classes, like yoga, are hosted by professional contractors, and spin classes are expected to be added soon.

In addition, intramural sports leagues are available for faculty, staff and students. While the spring season (January through March) features indoor volleyball and basketball, the fall season offers outdoor soccer, flag football and kickball, as well as indoor pickleball. Interested participants can sign up as a free agent or form a team.

Amenities and wellness education

The WRC provides shower and locker room facilities, along with locker storage. While towels are not provided for personal use, cleaning supplies are available.

Wellness education is also a key focus, with programs addressing alcohol and drug awareness, abuse prevention, healthy decision-making, hypertension, diabetes and safe sex education.

The Health Cave is a portable tent that serves as a mobile information hub on campus, where students distribute health and safety resources. Peer health educators, in partnership with , are trained to address campus wellness concerns. They actively engage students and offer guidance on stress management, healthy lifestyle choices, and connect them with available health services.

Public health students work with the Health Cave on wellness initiatives, and student wellness assistants help manage outreach programs.

GGC Convocation Center: A New Fitness Space

A third-floor fitness space recently opened in the new GGC Convocation Center, doubling workout opportunities to another area on campus. The facility, temporarily open Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., features state-of-the-art cardio and machine weights, a new equipment casting system that allows streaming workouts via phone-to-TV connection, and wireless charging stations.

While yoga and spin classes will occur in the Convocation Center, heavy weights will not. Group fitness classes will be held on the third floor. Locker and storage areas are located on the second floor.

The full grand opening with extended hours will occur in April.

All current WRC services will remain unchanged.

Feel free to visit the Wellness and Recreation Center or explore the new fitness space in the Convocation Center. Refer to the for upcoming events, closures and updates.