 "Photo: Lisle Alderton")
 "Photo: Lisle Alderton")
 "Photo: Lisle Alderton")
K-State students and Manhattan residents do not have to go far to pump iron or swim laps. Peters Recreation Complex and Natatorium, two large and well-equipped workout centers, are located right on campus. To ensure all users have a positive Rec experience, there are a few guidelines that should be followed.
“An important thing to remember is to bring your Wildcat ID every time,” said Thomas Deus, assistant director of facilities & student staff at the Rec. “Also, it’s best to avoid 5-9 p.m., because that’s when the Rec is busiest.”
Deus said Rec patrons should dress appropriately when they work out.
“People should just make sure they look decent,” he said. “Sports bras should be covered and shorts should be an appropriate length.” As for actually exercising, Deus said when the workout area is busy, patrons should limit time on cardio machines to 30 minutes. He also said people are welcome to change the channel on televisions on the main floor of the Rec, but if there is an argument between two people, the television will be reverted back to its pre-set channel by an employee. If someone is obviously watching the television already, Deus said to make sure to ask them before changing the channel.
He also said most patrons are courteous while working out, but there are some things people can do that will result in removal from the complex.
“If there is unsportsmanlike conduct going on, like fighting on the courts or cursing, those are the kinds of things that will get you kicked out,” Deus said.
He added that anyone who wants to know more about the Rec or has any questions about facilities or policy can stop by the front desk anytime or talk to the weight room attendant on duty.
“We are happy to answer questions or even suggest an exercise for a particular muscle, but we can’t train you from the weight room desk,” said Josh Hubbard, sophomore in kinesiology and weight room attendant at the Rec. “There are personal trainers here that aren’t very expensive and are definitely worth the money for beginners.”
An entirely different recreation center with its own set etiquette guidelines is the Natatorium.
“The rules are pretty simple, and people are pretty good about following them,” said Shelly Ritter, senior in biology and lifeguard at the Natatorium. “Sometimes people leave equipment like kickboards out instead of returning them to where they belong. Also, swimmers occasionally dive into the lanes, which definitely isn’t allowed. Also, no spitting or nose-blowing in the gutters around the pool.”
Ritter said there are few clothing restrictions at the Natatorium as well. A bikini is fine if that’s all the person has, and swim caps are not required, but rules state that no shoes are allowed on the pool deck.
The lap lanes fill up quickly, and Ritter said swimmers sometimes have to wait in line. It is pool courtesy to ask someone if they are willing to share their lane because some people are uncomfortable with it while others have no problem, she said.
Working out should be a good experience for everyone – all it takes are a few simple courtesies to make everyone’s exercising experiences pleasant.
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