FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Three times a week, Dede Long finds time to workout at University Recreation facilities, focusing on cycling and lap swimming.

"I don't remember when the HPER Building opened, but I have been a member with the same locker since day one," said DeDe Long, director of Study Abroad and International Exchange. "I am a lap swimmer and more recently a participant in the 6 a.m. group cycling classes." 

Over the past year, University Recreation has introduced additional services, initiatives and a more diverse selection of fitness equipment in order to enhance the member experience and accommodate a wider variety of members such as more small group training times and additional free weight equipment. Many faculty and staff take advantage of having these fitness and wellness opportunities in such close proximity to work.

"My work environment has been forever enhanced by having access to this facility and it has made a significant contribution to my well-being," said Long. "It's the place I can always walk away from feeling better than when I entered."

According to the American College of Sports Medicine, regular exercise and physical activity provide mental and social health benefits including increasing mood and decreasing the risk of depression in adults. 

Faculty, staff and alumni have the choice to purchase different types of memberships. Individual annual memberships are rolling for one year from the date of purchase and may be purchased for a total of $17 per month. An annual family membership may also be purchased which includes spouse and any children for a total of $26 per month.

Semester memberships are also available for the fall, spring or summer semesters. Memberships can also be paid for using payroll deduction by bringing a university ID to the UREC main office, HPER 225.

A UREC membership grants members access to the HPER building, the UREC Fitness Center located in the Arkansas Union, and the UREC Sports Complex at Mitchell Street. Additional benefits include access to an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a running track, bouldering and climbing walls, free day lockers, saunas, free group fitness classes, and two fitness centers that include a diverse selection of cardio equipment, free weights, and strength training equipment.

University Recreation is offering discounted memberships for $38 now through Dec. 15. University of Arkansas community members who are interested in touring the HPER Building may drop-in anytime during open hours of operation.

For more information about faculty/staff rates, visit the Membership page on the campus recreation website. Email Linda Fricke at lfricke@uark.edu for any questions regarding membership.