The best way to fight the freshman fifteen (or more) is a good diet and exercise. One of the best places on campus for the latter is the Hamel Recreation Center in the basement of the Whtitemore Center. Equipped with more than 100 exercise machines ranging from ellipticals, treadmills, stationary bikes, and free weights to name a few, the Hamel Rec Center is a gym rat's paradise. Like any other gym there are some written and unwritten rules.
Throughout the center are squirt bottles and rags to wipe down machines when finished. There is also a sticker on each cardio machine reminding you to only spend a half hour on it. While neither rule is strictly enforced, it is greatly appreciated. "Resetting the timer when you think no one is looking isn't okay," sophomore Erin Cuneo said, "we all have places to be and stuff to do."
To use the Hamel Rec Center, you need only a student ID, some free time, and a T-Shirt. If you forget one, you can rent a clean one from the equipment room. Amanda St. George, a freshman, said not to worry about looks at the gym. She warned, "The boys are to busy staring at their muscles to care about you."
There has been a recent problem with gym overcrowding, so plan carefully and be prepared for a wait. Freshman Nick Blanchette went to the gym in the early mornings. Around 6 a.m. when Blanchette typically got to the gym, he said "that's when it is least busy, [the gym usually gets] really busy right after lunch and dinner and basically stays busy all night." Cuneo agreed. "surprisingly, late at night is still reasonably busy," she said. "The best times are probably early/mid morning, or when everyone else is at the dining halls." St. George had more general advice. "Don't go at times when you and ALL of your friends are free, because so are everyone else is, and you wont get any work done anyway," she said.
Whatever time you go, though, consistency is important. "Set up a schedule that works for you," Cuneo said. St. George agreed, "Get in a ritual, fit it in to your schedule. "The order and stability will help with fighting off procrastination."
Be aware of the other people using the gym. Some gym goers, like St. George, do not appreciate those trying to make new friends at the gym. She warned against staring at others or attempting to make conversation. Others may feel like Blanchette and enjoy the camaraderie that comes from being at the gym. Among the things he appreciates at the gym, he mentioned, "everyone pushes each other, lots of compliments and people just help each other. You get to know some really great people who like to work out just like you."
When the winter weather sets in, people are asked to bring a second pair of shoes, "so you don't track water and mud into the gym," Blanchette explained.
Weight-lifters, you have been warned. Grunting when lifting was a universal annoyance for these gym fans.
Campus Rec also offers regular weekly classes like yoga and cardio kickboxing. "Be aware that the classes are kind of hardcore," St. George said.
There is always Campus Rec staff within reach, ready and willing to explain a machine if need be. Personal training sessions and packages are available at discounted prices. The Rec Center is open seven days a week, 6 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to midnight on Sunday during the semesters.
Most of all, Cuneo said, "enjoy the time you spend there and just be courteous."
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