Dana Hull/The Collegian

Those who frequently use the Recreation Center have their eyes set on getting in a worthwhile workout. However, the growing population of the facility has put a damper on students being able to get around the gym easily.

Since the gym opened its doors in 2005, the gym has grown to become the most popular facility on campus.

“When we first opened the gym in 2005 our attendance at the gym has steadily risen each year,” Amy Allen, the recreation center’s customer relations coordinator, said. The facility has become a part of the campus culture, so in turn, numbers went up. This has now left the gym to become the most used facility on campus.”

Allen has been the customer relations coordinator since 2005 and says to have never heard complaints about the recreation center being overcrowded.

“We needed to get the word out about the Rec Center, so we began marketing,” Allen said. “The marketing allowed students to recognize the Rec was part of dues, which shocked parents and students that they didn’t have to pay dues to the gym. That soon increased use, and it continues each year.”

But for some students, they think otherwise about overcrowding. Kelly Carlson, a fourth year exercise science major, uses the facility around five times a week.

“The treadmill is my favorite piece of equipment in the gym,” Carlson said. “I find myself having to wait to use this machine quite often. When I go to the gym, I want to get in my workout and be finished, not waste time waiting for a machine.”

This however does not stop students from still using the gym. The recreation center provides motivation for students.

“When I go to the gym, the Rec Center has an upbeat atmosphere, and I am surrounded by people who are all working towards the same goal as me,” Alex Mehas, a third year business management student, said.

However she too feels that the center is overpopulated.

“I often find myself waiting around, or having to fill my time at the gym while waiting for a machine,” Mehas said. “It can get pretty frustrating,”

Allen does agree that the Rec Center needs to be expanded in ways more than just adding machines. The facility is constantly growing in popularity.

“My personal feeling is that we will need to expand the gym at some point,” Allen said. “I do not see less people coming to use the free service; it will only keep growing.”

Everyone seems to recognize when the gym is less populated, however it is at an unfavorable time while students usually are in their classes.

“Usually the gym sees the least activity in the mornings between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.,” Allen said.

“I usually go to the gym in the evening, of course that’s when everyone seems to go,” Mehas said.

Carlson agrees with Mehas. “The only time I can find time to make it to the gym is in the evening,” Carlson said. “I have work and school starting from 8 a.m.”