Chris James/Pioneer
Computer science major, Chase Nichols, 27 lifts four 45 pound plates on the leg press machine in the OCCC weight room on Wednesday, Jan. 18.

OCCC’s gymnasium and Aquatic Center provide many fitness and recreational activities throughout the semester for students and non-students alike. Students can use the facilities for free during open recreation times, but must pay for any classes. According to Recreation and Fitness Center staff, the cost of membership is included in tuition fees at OCCC.

In addition to fitness classes, OCCC has a weight room equipped with free weights, machines and dumbbells. They also have bicycle and treadmill machines.

The OCCC gymnasium has a total of five basketball goals and can accommodate other indoor sports like volleyball.

OCCC’s Aquatic Center has one of the best pools in the region. The Olympic-sized pool is used to host many state and regional swim meets like the Special Olympics Oklahoma State Championship Swim Meet and the NAIA Championships. The cataloge has a full listing of upcoming events.

Chris James/Pioneer
OCCC students make use of gymnasium between classes on Thursday, Jan. 19. Angel Olivo, a buisness major student sinks a three point shot seconds before physical therapy major, Jose Martinez does the same.

The Recreation and Fitness Center will be hosting an open house from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 30, complete with tours of the facility.

Non-students must pay a one-time $50 joining fee, and can get daily memberships or punch cards that are good for 20 admissions.

The Recreation and Fitness Center offers classes Monday through Friday in the morning, afternoon, and evening, and class schedules are listed in the OCCC Fitness and Enrichment Programs catalog for Spring 2012.

The catalog can be picked up at the center’s desk or other places throughout the campus. It is also available online.

Chris James/Pioneer
Kyle Callens, 22, Dives into OCCC’s Olympic-sized swimming pool on Friday afternoon Jan. 20. Callens is part of Sooner Dive, one of many organizations that make use of the aquatic facility.

Some of the classes listed in the catalog are cardio kickboxing, Pilates, Zumba, Aqua Zumba, water exercise and deep water exercise. Different classes are offered for different age groups.

Classes can be paid for individually, or students and members can purchase a Group Fitness Pass for $50. This pass allows access to all spring semester fitness classes. Class admission is done on a first-come, first-served basis.

Center staff said the $50 joining fee on new memberships purchased on open house day will be waived, and there will be free recreational swim from 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The open house is free to everyone, and a good opportunity to sign up for sports, CPR classes, or even swimming lessons.

For a complete list of hours and dates of operation, or for more information on the wellness center, visit www.occc.edu/RF/wellness.html.

To contact Chris James, email pioneerphotog@occc.edu.