Waiting in line is not the best way to burn calories, but for some students it's unavoidable.
UF fitness centers and other campus recreational facilities have been noticeably overcrowded since the start of the spring semester.
Nick Clayton, assistant director for fitness for UF's Department of Recreational Sports, said that overcrowding is not unusual for this time of year.
January and September are the busiest months for the university's facilities, Clayton said. Keeping New Year's resolutions and getting in shape for spring break are two reasons students come out in bigger numbers in January.
"Students want to start each semester on a good note," Clayton said.
Attendance will usually start to decline after spring break, he said.
Many students are finding the increased attendance at the on-campus fitness centers frustrating.
Hansel Jacob, a UF freshman, said sometimes he has to wait to use equipment depending on the time .
"Normally I just don't go to the gym after 5 p.m.," Jacob said.
Clayton said the facilities have a limited amount of machines and that they have heard a few complaints.
He said he encourages students to come during non-peak hours, and that the busiest times are usually from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
While some students choose to be patient during this time of year and wait for the rush to slow down, others are utilizing alternative exercise options such as joining fitness centers or exercising outdoors.
Joe Cirulli, owner of The Gainesville Health & Fitness Centers, said that his centers have always had a great number of UF students.
Despite some benefits, many students are hesitant to pay a membership fee to join a gym, especially when they can use the on-campus recreational centers for free. Cirulli said that membership is $11 a week.
"Should $11 a week really keep you from making a change?" Cirulli said. "You are talking about a cup of coffee a day."
