Mashouf Wellness Center

The Mashouf Wellness Center usually gets busy in waves throughout the day. However, the first day of the spring semester is one of the most mellow days the gym of the semester. 

Second year student Kylie Chen began rock climbing as a hobby two months ago. The first day of school is befitting for many firsts to be experienced. For Chen, two were going to the Mashouf Wellness Center and climbing the rock wall. 

“It’s a good place to get some movement and exercise,” Chen said. “It’s more fun than just running and it makes time pass by.”

For someone who recently started rock climbing, Chen believes it’s super convenient to have a gym on campus that has a climbing wall. She plans on going to the Mashouf Wellness Center more often this semester to explore what the gym has to offer, and especially to work on her climbing technique to be able to ascend to any level. 

“I honestly was surprised when I came here and [saw] the rock climbing wall,” Chen said. “You just don’t really expect a school campus gym to have this even though it’s a common sport.”

Fourth year nursing major Brandon Romarate was in the zone with his headphones on, playing racquetball and working up a sweat in the process.  

Romarate, who has been playing for about six months, was introduced to the sport through his friends last semester. He loves the racquetball room because it isolates him. 

“I just have my own space in this small room. I don’t feel the pressure outside. You know, when you’re in the gym, there is a bunch of pressure. A lot of people are working out at the same time as you, waiting for you to use the machines,” Romarate said. 

The isolated design of the racquetball court has helped him to focus on his technique and himself, technique he learned to apply out of the court as well. This semester, he also wants to attend one of the Zumba classes offered at the Mashouf Wellness Center.

Mathematics major, Monyka Rico believes going to the gym is a good stress reliever from school. She has been going to the gym on-and-off for about two years. Since moving to campus, the convenience of a close-by gym and no need for membership payments Rico sees herself using it a lot more often.

“I would like to make it a habit to go five times a week so that I can improve my stamina,” Rico said. 

Rico usually takes a couple of weights and goes to a corner to work out, but this year, she wants to change that. “I feel like if I wanna keep coming more, then I definitely need to try some of the weight machines.”

Rico expected the campus gym to be just a weight room and a mirror room, but the different workout areas in the gym such as the basketball court, the ping pong table and the rock climbing wall took her by surprise. 

Starting today The Mashouf Wellness Center operation hours are Monday to Thursday 6:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. Friday 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.