As Southwest Recreation Center construction continues, students are getting their fitness fix off campus.
“We have had one of the largest increases this semester, probably the largest since we’ve been in business,” said Ken Hynema, general manager of Gainesville Rock Gym, 704 S. Main St.
UF students now make up about two-thirds of the total membership there, with about 150 new members this semester alone.
Powerhouse Gym, 3441 W University Ave., has experienced similar growth. Manager Steven Dillenbeck said the gym saw a membership surge in January, doubling its student membership to 18 percent.
“We’re getting 20 new students a day,” he said.
But Brian Russell, spokesman for Gainesville Health & Fitness Center, 4820 Newberry Road, disagrees. He has not seen notable increases in student membership and believes New Year’s resolutions account for any increases.
Pam Hightower, Southwest Recreation Center facilities coordinator, said there has been no significant difference in the number of students using the gym this semester than last.
“I attribute any changes to the time of the year, not our construction,” Hightower said.
Alex Mirea, a UF criminology and mathematics senior, said he uses Southwest Recreation Center about three times a week, and the construction has had no impact on his routine.
