By Anneliese Heyder, Stentorian Editor-in-Chief
For some students, the gym is their safe place: it’s somewhere they can go to release stress, meet new people, and get good plain ol’ exercise. Some go to lift weights while others run on the treadmill or get an intense bike ride in. Either way, everyone has one thing in common ⎯ they want to get a good workout. So, the question is: where to work out on (or off) campus?
On Campus:
Students at NCSSM can enjoy the gym, dance studio, and weight room all located in the Physical Education Center (PEC). The gym is open for certain hours to students who want to play a game of basketball, practice volleyball skills, or prepare for the dodgeball games later in the school year. The dance studio provides an open space for both the dance and cheer teams, as well as students interested in pilates or yoga. Finally, the weight room offers a diverse range of equipment to grow your gains. It can get crowded quickly though; the most popular hours are afternoon/evening once classes have gotten out. Be sure to keep on the lookout for after-check events with your hall; these are great ways to get a workout in while bonding with your hallmates!
Off-Campus:
Another popular option is Planet Fitness – about a 5-minute walk from campus. NCSSM students can be seen leaving campus with their gym buddies early in the morning and later in the afternoon. Planet Fitness is well-liked by students for its cheap fees and student discounts. The commercial gym boasts high-quality amenities which include a diverse range of both weights and cardio equipment. Not only is it open 24/7, but Planet Fitness states that it “has the best value on the planet.” With two different membership options ⎯ a Classic or Black Card ⎯ and the High School Summer Pass, students can find what works for them and their bank account.
Now, for those of you who find joy not in weights and cardio equipment but in pilates and yoga, Ninth Street offers two different options: Pure Barre and Yoga Off East. PureBarre offers a diverse range of classes throughout the week: those targeting strength and endurance, others flexibility and recovery, and some that incorporate both cardio and strength training. These workouts are low-impact and full-body, allowing you to get in some effective and satisfying exercise. The studio offers both a free first class and beginner classes for those just starting. Referring a friend can also earn you a free class; if this interests you, find another student and try it out!
Just down the street is Yoga Off East: it offers weekly classes that focus on core strength, stretching, recovery, and meditation. For newcomers, the studio offers three classes for $30 and has a membership option. If this speaks to you, feel free to grab a buddy and go check it out!
While there are many other options around Durham, those can be difficult to get to. Remember, you need a buddy when leaving campus. While walking is the most common mode of travel here, those with bikes can travel a bit further; if you and your friend both have a bike, you may have a larger pick of workout facilities.
Some things to keep in mind when choosing a gym or studio: accessibility, costs, transportation, and most importantly, if it’s realistic. To determine this, you’ll need to do something that you will do almost every day here at school: research. Happy gym hunting!
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