Campus Recreation

West Chester University

Ehinger Gym, Rm 133
Phone: 610-436-1REC
Fax: 610-436-3088

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FAQS

General FAQ's

Exericse Perscription (Personalized Workout Plans) FAQ's

Personal Training FAQ's

General FAQ's

What does it cost to use the Fitness Center?

The Sykes Fitness Center is a free service provided to all students (full and part-time) with a valid student ID.

How do I gain access to the Fitness Center?

In order to gain access to the Fitness Center, students must present a valid WCU student ID. The ID must scan and must be the more current ID (if multiple ID’s have been issued).  No other form of identification will grant you access to the Fitness Center.  NO EXCEPTIONS! 

Why do I need to bring my ID? What is I forget it or lose it?

In order to gain access to the facility you must have your working West Chester Student ID that properly scans.  We enforce this ID policy because in case of emergency we are responsible for all students who enter the Fitness Center.  If you forget your Student ID you will simply be asked to go back and get it before we can grant you entrance to the Fitness Center.  If you have lost your student ID, you will be asked to purchase a new one at the SSI window located at the bottom floor of Sykes Student Union right before the fitness center.  There are no exceptions.  If your ID does not scan, you will not be allowed to enter the Fitness Center.

What are your weekly hours?

Monday – Thursday: 6:30 AM - 11:30 PM

Friday- 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM

Saturday- 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Sunday- 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM

What are your busy times?

Typically we are most busy Monday- Thursday from 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM.  We also have a large number of people come on Fridays between 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

How do I reserve cardio equipment?

Reservations are made in increments of 30 minutes for ellipticals and treadmills.  You are allowed a maximum of 2 time slots a day but cannot be on the same machine.  You must come to the front desk of the Sykes Fitness Center with your student ID the day you would like to reserve the machines.  You must sign up  prior to the time you are reserving; you cannot reserve a machine for 2:00pm at 2:02pm. Reservations cannot be made for a friend, over the phone or days prior.  If you are 5 minutes or more minutes late for a reservation you forfeit that time slot.

Do you offer Group Fitness Class?

A variety of aerobic classes are offered to students who purchase an aerobic sticker at the SSI window located at the bottom floor of Sykes Student Union right before the gym.  There is a $35 year option and a $20 semester option.  The pass grants you access to as many classes as you wish to take and will be checked by a fitness staff member before entrance to fitness class.  The classes have a Max capacity of 40 for all classes, unless specialized equipment is used.  We allow students to sign up to reserve a spot in the classes with specialized equipment due to limited capacity allowance.  In order to sign up a student must come to the front desk of the Sykes Fitness Center with student ID prior to the class.  We have strict policies and procedures against any student without the purchasing a Group Fitness Sticker.  Class schedule can be found at www.wcupa.edu/campusrec/groupfitnessschedule.asp.   

Do I need to sign up for any Group Fitness classes?

Due to the limited amount of space and equipment, there are certain classes that student must sign up for prior to the start of classes.  Students must be present a valid student ID at the front desk at the Fitness Center.

Classes that require a sign-up prior to class

• Any spinning sessions
• Any Body Pump sessions

Do you have a locker room? Do I need to bring a lock?

We have locker rooms in the Fitness Center and it is recommended that you bring your own lock if you plan on leaving items in a locker.  All locks must be removed by the end of the day or they will be removed by Fitness Staff and items in the locker will be placed in our lost and found.  Both Men’s and Women locker rooms have showers (no towels provided).

Are there other Fitness Centers on campus?

Yes, there is another Fitness Center located on south campus at the health and science center located on the bottom floor. 

What are your policies on clothes and footwear in fitness center?

All members are required to be fully clothed with both a shirt of some sort and athletic shorts or pants.  No short cut shirts or sports bras stomach must be covered at all times.  Athletic footwear is required at all times to exercise.  No boots, sandals, clogs, slippers, crocs. 

What FREE services do you offer in the Fitness Center?

• Body composition testing
• Exercise Prescription- individualized workout program to follow based on your goals.
• Blood Pressure
• Incentive based fitness events

Ask any staff member at the front desk for more information

What other services do you offer in the Fitness Center?

• Personal Training
• Group Fitness Classes

Ask any staff member at the front desk for more information

What other services do you offer in the Fitness Center?

• Personal Training
• Group Fitness Classes

Ask any staff member at the front desk for more information

Exericse Perscription (Personalized Workout Plans) FAQ's

What is an Exercise Prescription?

Exercise Prescriptions are personalized workout plans made by the Fitness Monitors on staff.  We partner you with staff members who have extensive training in the exercise science field or similar academic major.  They create a workout for you based on your specific goals and workout preferences (likes & dislikes).

How do I get an EX Rx?

Please just stop by the front desk attendant or any Fitness Staff member who will be happy to assist you and help you

get started.

How much does it cost?

Free!

How long will the meetings take?

Be prepared to dedicate at the least 30 minutes to the first consultation.   

What should I bring?

        -Water

        -Class Schedule

What should I wear?

Please wear work out attire and athletic shoes.  This will allow for the fitness monitor to get a more accurate body composition reading and you will be active at times during your consultation. 

Who do I contact if I have further questions?

Feel free to Contact the Fitness Monitor assigned to you via email using your appointment slip for contact information.  Or you may ask a fitness staff member any questions or concerns you may have.  

What do I do If I cannot make my appointment?

Please contact your assigned Fitness Monitor or tell another staff member so they can reschedule your appointment for another day.  Please give a 24 hour notice to reschedule an appointment. 

Personal Training FAQ's

What is personal training?

A personal trainer will develop a personalized exercise program for you based on your health history and current fitness level. They will then meet with you, 1v1, to teach you how to best perform the selected exercises and provide on-going motivation to help you reach your health and fitness goals.  Personal training sessions can be purchased anytime throughout the year. At the time of purchase you will fill out a registration packet.  Once the registration packet is completed and returned, the personal trainer will contact you (usually within a week) to schedule your appointment.

How much do the Personal Training packages cost?

A one hour session will include health and fitness education, programming to meet your individual needs, and motivation to help you achieve your stated goals. We will be responsible for teaching you proper lifting techniques, efficient exercising techniques, and adherence skills to maximize your experience in the Recreation Center. Pick the session package that best fits your needs!

*Fitness Assessment – Personal Training Services must be purchased in order to receive a free Fitness Assessment.

What is a buddy session?

Interested in personal training with a friend? Buddy sessions are a great option to help you save money and stay motivated. Buddy training incorporates all of the same aspectsincluded in one-on-one training, except you get to do it with a friend!

What do the packages include?

All packages include the following FREE services:

• Initial Consultation:  A time to fill out paperwork and discuss the options from the Fitness Menu that will work best for you
• Goal Setting Consultation:  In order to establish your primary goal and generate an action plan, we will use the SMART tool for goal setting. SMART goal setting is Specific, Measurable, Action oriented, Reasonable and Timely.
• Fitness Assessment:  A variety of tests to determine your fitness level. Provides a great starting point for you and your personal trainer to build that new lifestyle! This service is mandatory to purchase and complete before starting your personal training sessions.

What can I expect from my personal training sessions?

Each personal training session is very unique due to the wide array of potential client goals. However, every personal training client will receive information regarding the recommendations for cardiovascular, resistance, and flexibility exercise according to the American College of Sports Medicine. Each session will also include individualized exercise instruction and a personalized exercise program. The purchase of one personal training session entitles you to 60 minutes with a trainer.

What can I expect the first time I meet with my trainer?

Once you submit a trainer request, we will match you with the personal trainer that is the best fit for you. At your initial meeting, you and your trainer will discuss your training goals and health history. If you feel comfortable with the initial meeting, you will be able to purchase personal training sessions with your trainer.  

What is a Fitness Assessment?

Fitness assessments are a great way to set goals and gauge your progress. The results fromyour fitness assessment enable you to identify strengths and weaknesses and set realisticand attainable goals.

What is the body composition testing? 

Body composition testing is a awy to determine your ovearll body fat distribution. 

    Pretest Guidelines

• For increased accuracy in body composition testing, please adhere to the following guidelines for Skinfold and BIA body composition testing:
  • Abstain from eating a meal and drinking large amounts of fluid at least 2 to 3 hours before the test Drink enough fluids over the 24-hour period preceding the test to ensure normal hydration at the time of the test Avoid exercising for 12 hours before the test Avoid caffeine within 3 hours of the test Empty bladder (urinate) at least 30 minutes prior to testing
  • Do not drink alcohol within 24 hours of the test

• Please be aware the methods used for body composition just provide an estimate. Furthermore, since body fat percentage estimates are influenced by a change in water content in the body throughout the day, please try to be consistent with the time of day that you get tested if you plan to track changes.
  • All services use both the skinfold method and bio-electrical impedance analysis (BIA).The Skinfold Method uses calipers to measure the thickness of skinfolds at 3 sites, thereby measuring fat stored just under the skin. A regression equation is used to calculate an estimate of body fat percentage from this information. Skinfold measurement should not be done immediately after exercise.BIA is a fast and easy method of measuring body fat which involves passing a small, imperceptible electrical current through the body and measuring the impedance to current flow. It is based on the principle that the conductivity of an electrical impulse is greater through lean tissue than through fat tissue. It is best to take BIA body composition readings at a consistent time of day when you are normally hydrated.

What is the payment policy?

Payments in full are to be made in advance at the SSI window (located at the bottom floor of Sykes Student Union) before any services and/or Fitness Assessments are completed.  Methods of payment include cash, check, credit card, or RAM Bucks.    

When do my services expire?

All Personal Training Packages expire twelve (12) months after purchase date. All personal training packages are non-refundable and non-transferrable. 

What happens if I cannot make my session?  What is the cancellation policy?

Clients canceling a training session must notify their Personal Trainer by phone and/or email at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled training session. Failure to contact the Personal Trainer with fewer than 24 hours notice will result in loss of one session.   

What happens if I arrive late for my session?

If a client arrives late, the session will still end at the originally scheduled time.  If the client is late, the trainer will wait for fifteen (15) minutes, at which time the session will be deemed canceled.  Clients who arrive 15 minutes or later for a session will forfeit the entire session.