Thinking about getting back into the gym? University Recreation has you covered. Here’s what you should know about The University of Alabama Recreation Center.
1. Membership included.
Sure, there are inexpensive gyms in town, but nothing is less expensive than free. For students, access to UREC facilities is covered in your tuition — no extra fees required. For faculty and staff, it’s only $28 a month and you can set up recurring payments online. And there’s not another gym in town that has an indoor track, swimming pool, steam room/sauna, group exercise classes and outdoor spaces, not to mention a convenient location right here on campus.
2. More facilities.
You wanted more lifting space, and UREC listened: Additional weight room space is now available at the RTR, or Resistance Training Room. Additionally, eight brand-new, dedicated pickleball courts are opening this fall, in addition to the existing 12 converted courts on six tennis courts. Need a paddle or ball? Pickleball equipment is sold at the pro shop.
3. Park plug.
Don’t let parking headaches be an excuse to stay away. If you have a valid parking permit, you can park in the UREC parking lot from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Early bird or night owl, or don’t have a campus parking pass? Hourly pay-to-park options are available near UREC facilities — and it’s the most affordable parking on campus.
4. Sign up for this lineup.
UREC offers tons of exciting ways to move your body. You can register for intramural sports and outdoor recreation trips individually or with your friends. Intramurals are all about competing against other teams in volleyball, soccer, pickleball, flag football or ultimate frisbee. Or, if the great outdoors calls to you, discover full-moon floats, whitewater rafting, backpacking, canoeing and caving expeditions.
5. Design your week around group exercise.
Whether you prefer cycling, yoga, pilates, high-intensity interval training or total body training, you can build your week around UREC exercise classes. Register online, and you can register for classes seven days in advance. And in addition to regularly scheduled classes, UREC sometimes offers pop-up classes for special interests like line dancing.