Fitness center open to all at ECC, for a fee

A New Year's resolution for a fitter, leaner self recently became easier for Elgin Community College students.

The college's board of trustees in December approved a $3-per-visit fitness center fee for the spring semester, to begin next week.

Previously, only student athletes or those enrolled in one of the college's five physical fitness courses could use the fitness center -- a 3,000-square-foot facility featuring treadmills, ellipticals, stair-climbers, stationary bikes, weights and rowing machines.

Students' marks for these courses are not based on test scores or athletic ability, but time logged at the fitness center, said Carol Cowles, dean of students.

The in-district cost for such a course is $91.

"Ninety-one dollars (for a five-month gym membership) is really a very inexpensive rate," Cowles said.

The new pay-as-you go fee is aimed to appeal to out-of-district and international students who pay higher fees per credit hour.

An out-of-district student pays $359.30 for one credit hour, according to Cowles.

An international student pays even more -- $437.22 per credit hour.

"Unlike some schools, we don't have a blanket student activity fee here," Cowles said, citing that a free fitness center for students would not be economically feasible.

Cowles hopes the new option will provide a new social outlet and attract nontraditional students short on time. "If you get off work at 5 p.m. and your class doesn't start until 7 p.m., it makes sense to squeeze in a quick workout and grab a sandwich from the cafeteria before class," she said.

"We're really hoping to give students a taste of how good they feel after working some activity into the day ... if they (find) working out is convenient, maybe they'll continue with a course next semester, or investigate another cost effective fitness center."