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A University student swims laps during recreational swim hours at the Gabrielsen Natatorium. The natatorium is available for students as well as a practice facility for water polo and the University's men's and women's swim and dive teams.

Ramsey offers students ways to cut flab

By: HAYTER WHITMAN

Posted: 8/7/08

Attention, freshmen: With the Bolton Dining Commons only steps away from the Russell, Brumby and Creswell dormitories and the downtown "establishments" offering their fair share of temptation, it's easy to put on a little weight during your first year. And unlike high school, there are no coaches or parents yelling at you to run faster or stay in shape. Thankfully, there is the Ramsey Center.

The gym's construction cost $40 million, and it shows.

If you want to shoot some hoops, there are eight full courts that accommodate pick-up games every day. You may even catch UGA football or basketball players on the court.

If racquetball or squash suits you better, there are two squash courts and 12 racquetball courts on the lower level.

There's plenty of room to tone in the spacious gyms or to get wet in the one of the pools. But remember to grab a sweat towel before heading to Ramsey because you will be turned away from the weight room without one.

Those who prefer an outdoor activity may climb the bouldering wall located outside the 45-foot indoor climbing wall, which is open for those who first obtain certification from a three-hour, $10 class. And if you're interested in healthy lungs, you can utilize the indoor track or one of the many cardio machines - including treadmills, ellipticals and bicycles - located throughout the facility.

During the fall, the Ramsey Center hosts the home meets of the Georgia women's volleyball team, and in the winter is the home of the men's and women's swimming and diving teams.

The Ramsey Center opens at 6 a.m. and closes at 11 p.m. during the fall and spring semesters, so everyone should be able to find plenty of time to use the gym for whatever type of physical activity they prefer. Until fall semester, Ramsey is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays; and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays.

It's always helpful to bring a friend to spot you when you're pumping iron or for extra motivation to finish that final set. If your friends from other schools visit you, they can work out, too, by obtaining guest passes, which are sold at the admissions desk for $7 (adults) and $5 (children under 18).

Staying active not only boosts self-esteem and relieves stress, but it also allows for a productive break from studying, eating dining hall food or being around your annoying roommate.