Danielle Gilbert / The Collegian

The students, faculty, staff and guests who are using the Student Recreation Center on campus are focusing more on the workout ahead than thinking about where to stash their belongings. But keeping your personal items safe can be just as important as working up a sweat.

Though some just leave their bag at home and bring only the essentials, many students are finding it easier to stash their belongings safely in a locker.

“A lot of people don’t want to carry their gym bag,” said Amy Allen, coordinator of customer relations. “They have the option to leave their stuff here.”

Most students take advantage of the smaller lockers to put their stuff because it’s free for daily use and it’s convenient. Students only need a lock to use the quarter lockers. If students don’t have a lock of their own then they can purchase one for $5 at the front desk.

Biology major Deissy Ibarra said she uses the Student Recreation Center three times a week. The 19-year-old said she brings her own lock to utilize the free lockers.

A locker double the size is available for $45 a semester and $120 for the school year, which includes towel service and a lock.

Larger lockers are necessary for some students so they don’t have to bring their belongings to and from the gym every day. For others, a locker isn’t something they’re worried about.

Biology major Brittany Stobbe said she wouldn’t purchase a locker because she pays for a lot of her own living expenses.

“My budget is not very generous,” said 19-year-old Stobbe. “I’m very careful with what I spend my money on.”

Like Stobbe, most students are working during the semester and don’t have a lot of extra cash to spend on a gym locker.

“I don’t mind carrying a few things in the gym with me,” said Stobbe. “Or I usually just leave my stuff in the car.”

The pricing of locker rentals and guest fees were decided with student budgets in mind. “The pricing has always been that price since we opened,” Allen said.

“Most of our pricing is really low.”

Towel service is also offered at the Student Recreation Center.

All guests of the Student Recreation Center are required to have a towel with them while they workout. Towels are $10 a semester and visitors receive a fresh one each visit. Towel service includes small workout towels and shower towels.

The Student Recreation Center has been open since February 2006, but there are still a few misconceptions about the gym.

Allen said one common misconception among students is that using the Recreation Center is free to students.

“Every student that comes to school here is actually paying for the Student Recreation Center,” said Allen.

With the provision of lockers, towel service, and the equipment: Student Recreation Center functions much like local gyms, only you already have paid for it.

Next time you pay your tuition at Fresno State, remember you’re also paying for your gym membership at the Student Recreation Center. You might as well take advantage and use it!