Are thoughts of gaining that proverbial “freshman 15” weighing heavily on your mind? Do you want to get some fresh air before the temperature drops to negative numbers? Or might you simply want to get away from that roommate that never leaves the room?

Whatever the scenario, Campus Recreational Services has you covered.

Whether it’s swimming laps, slamming a racquetball or simply shooting hoops, a variety of activities are offered right on campus just a short walk from the Binghamton University dorms. Open recreation times are available every day at varying hours. The East Gym also contains the on-campus gym, FitSpace, which houses a multitude of cardio machines, not to mention an extensive selection of workout equipment and free weights.

Check out Campus Rec at campusrecreation.binghamton.edu for open recreation hours and other useful information. Once there, you’ll find that its main goal is to provide healthy opportunities to students outside of the classroom and complement the experiences they receive elsewhere in campus life. Campus Rec also offers a variety of club and intramural sports, both of which are held in high regard.

Club Sports at Binghamton University are student organizations that have been formed by individuals who are motivated by a common interest and desire to participate in a particular sport. Binghamton’s club sports teams compete against club teams from other colleges and universities, oftentimes winning championships along the way. Binghamton’s field hockey team took home a New York State championship in the 2007-08 season. Participants in club sports not only get the experience of competing against other schools, but also learn new skills and how to improve existing skills.

Included in the club sports offerings are traditional sports such as soccer, football (in both flag and arena style), dodgeball, volleyball, basketball, softball and many others.

Each intramural team sport or activity normally offers male, female and co-ed leagues. Each league consists of separate divisions. Teams can sign up in the intramural office, located in room 102 in the East Gym. An individual may sign up on a free-agents list in the intramural office and be placed on a team lacking players. Registration information along with league schedules and standings are posted on information boards located in the East and West Gyms, as well as the Campus Rec Web site.

So if you’re looking for an excuse to get out of the dorms for a bit or merely feel like taking a walk, make the East Gym and Campus Rec your destination. And don’t forget to bring your BU ID, because you can’t take advantages of the numerous services offered without it. In fact, they probably won’t let you past the front desk.