VOXPOP: Workout Central

By VoxPop Staff Writer Stefanie Juul, VoxPop Body + Life Magazine

You’ve got a couple of hours before your next class. Too much time to just check email and too little time to bother going home for a nap. The computers are all taken, and you’re too overwhelmed with required reading to want to go to the library. What’s left to do?

The Aquatic and Fitness Center may be your best bet. Only a short walk from the Johnson Center, the gym holds several opportunities for students and staff to improve, strengthen, and revive their mind, body, and spirit.

• Check out VoxPop's latest issue: Body + Life Magazine. Pick up your copy in SUB I room 204.

It is amazing just how many fitness options a student at Mason has, and all for free!

Want to work out and put your brain on auto-pilot? One option is the cardio room, where you will find elliptical trainers, treadmills, and other equipment geared toward getting your heart rate up and pumping. When you’re in the mood to tone or build some muscle, you will find a 5000 square foot weight training room on the lower level of the Center.

There are two indoor pools available for swimming: the Recreational pool and the Competition pool. While the latter has several periods during the day when it is not available due to swim teams and meets, the former is vailable to the public for the majority of the Center’s open hours. Need to relax after your workout? A sauna and a Jacuzzi are available to enhance your fitness experience.

If your muscles are feeling stubborn and aching after your workout, one option is a full-body massage. These can last from a quick 15 minutes at $20 up to 90 minutes at $109. Just keep in mind that visitors will need to make an appointment ahead of time, though they can always be canceled or changed to a different date if necessary.

• Massage hours are 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Feeling overwhelmed by all of the options available? Not sure if you should start with a swim or a run on the treadmill? Don’t worry! There’s a personal trainer waiting
to customize your workout. But you will have to cough up some extra money for this personalized service.

The same goes for the Center’s fitness classes, which range from water aerobics to pilates to yoga. Several of the classes are university courses that students can register and get credit for, while others can be joined for free by anyone with a gym membership. Some classes do require that you pay an additional fee. For more information about the classes offered, visit aquatics.gmu.edu for times and dates.

To sign up, visit the customer service desk.

If you are excited about these fitness opportunities and
are wondering how to become a member, here is the lowdown.

If you’re a full-time student, you are already a member of the Center, just present your Mason ID at the front desk. Part-time students need to pay $25 per semester to become a member, and faculty, staff, and alumni have the option of joining as well. For membership information and rates, check out aquatics.gmu.edu/membership.

• Cardio Gallery
  Over 3,000 square feet of cardio workout space houses over 76 brand new Fitness Maker treadmills, ellipticals, and stairmasters.
• Weight Room
  The weightlifting and fitness gallery boasts over 5,000 square feet of equipment. Located below the cardio room.
• Recreational Pool
  This 25-yard recreational pool is kept a soothing 82-84˚F and includes a zero-depth entry ramp for young swimmers, senior aquatic classes, and social swimming. Recreational pool closes 30 minutes prior to the Center.
• 50 Meter Competition Pool
  This Olympic-size pool can accommodate lap swimming, classes, synchronized swimming, scuba and water polo simultaneously. For competition pool hours, visit aquatics.gmu.edu/hours.
• Spa & Sauna
  On a cold Northern Virginia day there is no better way to defrost than in these campus hot-spots.
• Locker Rooms
  The Center offers full-service locker rooms where you can rent a locker by the year or semester. Towel rentals will run you $1 each.