University Recreation data show that approximately 80-85 percent of WSU students use the Student Recreation Center between 730,000 and 750,000 times per year, with another 40,000 visits to the Down Under Recreation Center.

On average, the SRC has a higher usage percentage than the fitness centers at other universities, said Brad Stewart, assistant director for programming at Health & Wellness Services.

Jeff Elbracht, UREC director of facilities and finance, said that while there isn’t necessarily one group that uses the SRC more, there are trends in the type of usage. A higher percentage of undergraduate students visit the SRC, but graduate students who work out there tend to frequent the center more often.

More students work out on their own than attend fitness classes, but yoga is the most requested activity, said Joanne Greene, director of programming for UREC.

Greene added that more female students participate in group fitness, while more male students play intramural sports, the most popular of which are flag football, basketball and soccer.

UREC will offer programs at the new Chinook building when it opens, and facilities will include weight and cardio space, locker rooms, and saunas.

“The Chinook will relieve some of the pressure at the rec center,” Elbracht said.

Greene said that every year UREC staff plans new fitness activities and will meet soon to prepare for the upcoming fall semester.

“We’re getting new cycling bikes that offer more features,” said Greene. “There will be new and interesting things for the Chinook and Stephenson buildings.”

Stewart said as a whole, WSU has a healthy and active population. However, he said there is always room for improvement.

“It’s important to understand that any physical activity is better than none,” Stewart said. “If you can dedicate two 15-minute stretches (of workout), those accumulate throughout the day.”

Workouts can also be done outside the gym, Stewart said. He said one alternative to working out at the SRC is circuit training, which requires no equipment. It is easy to monitor the intensity of the workouts, he said, and they combine strength and cardio for efficiency. Stewart recommends trying an online fitness program such as Fitness Blender.

“Physical activity doesn’t have to be a dedicated workout,” Stewart said. Instead, he said it’s more important to simply find an activity that is enjoyable and keeps you motivated.