The Binghamton University Recreation Center is a fitness paradise complete with everything from treadmills to personal trainers, but its beautiful amenities come at a price. For just one semester, membership can cost around $80. While the facilities are nice, many other schools offer their gyms as a free student perk, so the cost can feel unfair. If the fee is too rich for your blood, you do have some options.
For anyone living in University Plaza, Planet Fitness is clearly the best option, as it is located right next door. Even if you live on campus and have a car, UP is only a three-minute drive away.
“Planet Fitness is an average gym as far as equipment is concerned,” said Adam Lemma, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering. “It has a standard number of ellipticals, machines, free weights and patrons.”
The facilities are open 24/7 besides holidays, and their lowest package starts at $10 a month for a year, plus a $29 sign on fee.
“The price is a steal if you get the bare minimum package,” Lemma said. “I’d recommend it to anyone on campus with an easy way to get there.”
For those who don’t want to commit to long-term packages, the Riverwalk Athletic Club is a perfect option. They offer one-, three-, six- and 12-month memberships, with student discounts available. There is a one-month membership option for $55, so if you feel as if November is your time to really give your all to a healthy lifestyle, but plan on huddling away in your texts books throughout December, then this gym might be for you.
“Being a member of the Riverwalk Athletic Club is great,” said Clare Biging, a junior majoring in bioengineering. “I think that the staff is really friendly, the gym is clean and their equipment is up to date. The student rate is affordable and the fact that the gym is attached to the Hilton Hotel makes it feel really safe.” In addition, this gym offers classes like Zumba, yoga and step aerobics, as well as a pool and hot tub.
While these options are local and affordable, there is always the option of the great outdoors. Yes, it’s jogging, it’s outdoors and it’s completely free. Surrounded by trees, plants and wildlife, the experience of jogging in the Nature Preserve offers three different trails depending on what length you want your workout to be. There is the East Loop, which is 2.2 miles; the West Loop, which is 1.1 miles; and the Ridge Trail, which is .6 miles. Whichever one you chose, you’ll be sure to encounter some beautiful sights.
And, of course, you can always just go for a run around our own “Brain.” If you were to run around the perimeter of this path, you would have accomplished 1.37 miles of pure heart-pumping exercise. You’ll be able to take a break when you run into friends, people-watch while you stop for some water and venture the Marketplace for an energy bar if needed. So when it comes time for you to decide on where you’ll be working out, make sure you’re taking advantage of everything that Binghamton has to offer.