Free campus gym helps students get started with exercise

Arthur Geil | Writer

Various weights, benches, and machines at the LCCC gym.

Working out is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions. However, most tend to fall short of their goals due to lack of gym access. LCCC provides a gym for their students to stay consistent and active.

Exercising has many benefits, including reducing stress, building strength, and increasing your longevity. Some students may not be able to afford a gym membership, but the free gym on campus makes working out convenient.

“I think the convenience of the gym here is just that it's free and accessible,” said LCCC Recreation and Wellness Manager, Lacey Timony. “I went to college at Penn State, and we had to pay for the fitness [center] at main campus.“

The gym is usually open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Since students all have classes at varying times, it does not tend to be crowded. 

“It's pretty much free for you guys to use, and it's open for you guys to use at any time,” said Timony.

Business administration student, Nicholas Ruggiero, finds the gym to be a powerful asset.

“I think it's great for students,” Ruggerio said. “People our age need to work out like everyone does. I plan to go more though, just because it's pretty close and it's free. Say you're stressed, anxious– anything. Get your mind off something. Go to the gym. It’s really good for your overall health.”

The gym has a variety of useful equipment ranging from treadmills and elliptical machines for cardio, to barbells and dumbbells for weight training.

Though, do not think exercise has to be limited to the gym. Working out surrounded by others while pushing heavy weights can be intimidating.

“Start off small,” said Timony. “You don't have to go into the gym and start throwing around a ton of weight. You can start easily with just walking 10 minutes a day, just increasing your movement. Those small increments really help. Don't underestimate the power of walking.”

Whether you decide to use the gym on campus or not is up to you. At the end of the day, to achieve your fitness goals, focus on consistency. Beginning with just 10 minutes of exercise can go a long way.