By Brooke Landreth/ reporter

TCC provides students with free workout facilities on every campus where they can use updated equipment to work out and connect with other students to improve their personal health and wellness. 

“When you exercise, you’re benefiting your body not just mentally but physically,” NE kinesiology instructor Kevin Harper said.

Harper said records show people who exercise tend to do better in school and reduce their stress levels.

“When you work out, you begin to feel better and look better,” he said.

NE student Allie Prostek uses the facilities for personal benefits.

“Working out is a stress reliever for me,” she said.

The workout facilities offer many classes, activities and clubs on campus for students.

“For ex-high school students, there’s open gym basketball on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and open gym volleyball on Tuesdays and Thursdays,” Harper said. “Private golf lessons may cost $100 or more outside of our facilities, but here at TCC you will receive expert instruction twice a week for 15 weeks at the cost of only $59 per semester.”

Harper said one’s ability to work out with others is a part of social wellness.

“Here at our gym, we have those students who come in with their buddies, boyfriends or girlfriends and social groups coming into the gym,” NW kinesiology instructor Joshua Tarbay said.

Because NW is positioned by a lake, many take advantage of outdoor activities.

“NW Campus is really proud of our outdoor offerings like our tennis courts and fit trail, which currently has 11 pieces of fitness equipment periodically stationed along it,” Tarbay said. “Our grand opening of our brand new disc golf course was April 1 and designed by one of our own, Joseph Maestas, and professional Jay Reading.”

Tarbay said students go to the gym to talk about techniques and equipment and to help each other.

New college students, out-of-towners or high school graduates whose friends have moved away and are feeling a little lonely can visit the gym and make friends quickly, he said.

TCC workout facilities come with many benefits available to students, Tarbay said.

“An affordable gym membership is about $50 a month now. If you decide to do that for the eight months you’re in college, you’re already at $400 to $500,” he said. “Our gym is completely free for students and is available to Tarrant County residents at a low price of $69 per semester.”

Occasionally, TCC personnel will go to other workout facilities like Lifetime Fitness to find the most popular equipment available and even take suggestions from students at TCC. They normally purchase two big pieces each year and small equipment like dumbbells and medicine balls throughout the year.

“I like that it’s really convenient for me to work out because I can just go to the gym after class since it’s right on campus,” Prostek said. “And it’s nice that I don’t have to pay for a membership since it’s already a part of our tuition fee.”