Rec & Wellness Center offers array of benefits
The completion of ACU's new Royce and Pam Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center has given students a place to live, learn and play - all under one giant roof.
The 113,000-square-foot facility opened earlier this semester, granting students access to an array of amenities including four basketball courts, three racquetball courts, a six-lane lap pool, a bouldering wall and a 41-station cardio center.
It also features a leisure pool, snack bar and patio - indicators that the new Rec Center is a place to relax and socialize in addition to burning calories.
The facility, named in honor of university chancellor Dr. Royce Money and his wife, Pam, represents a chance for many students to make lifestyle changes in a fun and exciting environment.
Body, mind and spirit
However, Brian Devost, executive director of the center, believes the facility is about far more than physical fitness.
"At the SRWC, we're working to enhance the quality of life on campus by teaching students that 'wellness' is all about preparing them for the future," said Brian. "Currently, we have a strong spiritual and academic presence at ACU. So, in order to complete the trinity, we need to emphasize the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Placing the spirit, mind and body on equal footing is going to take time because it's a major shift in any culture."
Brian believes the new facility has become an integral part of the ACU campus and a chance to build community.
"It presents a great opportunity for students, faculty and staff to relate to each other on a less-formal basis," he said. "It's not uncommon to see a student on one treadmill and a faculty member next to them. The students enjoy seeing their professors working out and living what they're preaching."
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
For Cody Bowden, a senior information systems major from Crowley, the Rec Center is a new incentive to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Cody has used the free weights and cardio equipment, as well as played racquetball and basketball - all in an attempt to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
"It is a great place for students to have fun playing sports as well as getting in shape," Cody said. "There are lots of opportunities for staying fit. There is basketball, racquetball, cardio, cycling or swimming. The Rec Center has allowed many people to try new things to stay healthy."
All ACU students have access to the state-of-the-art Rec Center included in their fees, a luxury not afforded to students at many other universities. Elizabeth Koepke, a sophomore political science major from Dallas, takes advantage of the facility three days a week. She even organized her class schedule so she could have an open hour to exercise.
"I didn't exercise nearly as much before and with all the new gyms, students are signing up for intramural sports," Elizabeth said. "There are a million reasons why I work out - from health to playing better sports - it goes without saying that exercise has long-term benefits."
Learn more about the Student Recreation and Wellness Center
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