Lewis Storey, a graduate student in the College of Education, said he likes to work out at the NAU Recreation Center because it's "clean, convenient and a nice climate for working out."

Rec Center puts fitness on the menu

The menu of one popular lunch-time hangout doesn't include an ounce of food, but it does feature hefty servings of iron—for those interested in lifting it, that is.

Whether they're pumping iron in the weight room or working up a sweat in a group exercise class, NAU employees are finding the NAU Recreation Center is a great lunch-time alternative.

"It's not unusual to see the place being used primarily by NAU employees during the lunch hour," said Rhonda Powers, associate director of Campus Recreation Services.

For a $150 annual membership fee and no initiation fee—about $6.25 per paycheck with payroll deduction—NAU employees gain access to the center's fitness classes, racquetball, volleyball and basketball courts, weight and aerobic rooms and saunas. A range of fitness programs is available for all interests and abilities, including group classes, personal training, massage therapy and self-improvement workshops.

"If you've never used the facility before, the summer is a great time to give it a try," Powers said, adding that the lack of crowds and the center's relaxed and quiet atmosphere make it an ideal place to initiate a new workout routine. All employees are allowed one guest visit for free to try it out before becoming a member.

In addition to increasing their fitness levels, Powers said many employees use their on-campus workouts as a way to build relationships within the office. "Finding a workout buddy makes you more committed to your workouts," she said. "But it also has the advantage of improving workplace dynamics."

Anika Olsen-Yanka, coordinator in Admissions, has been a lunch-time regular with several of her co-workers for about a year. "It's nice to be in a different environment with your colleagues," she said. "We all motivate each other. When one of us doesn't want to go, the others give us the encouragement we need, knowing we'll feel better when we're done. It's a good energizer for the rest of the day."

The NAU Recreation Center summer hours are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Information on the Recreation Center's programs and services is available online.