A recent renovation of the San Jacinto Memorial Building included a state-of-the-art upgrade for HCC’s Central campus Fitness Center. The sleek workout space now sports a weight and cardio area, basketball court with stadium seating and men and women locker rooms.

This facility is not included in the cost of tuition, so students and part-time staff pay a minimal fee to use the court, weights and cardio facilities. Memberships are $75 for fall semester and $75 for the spring semester, while the summer semester is $50 dollars.

However, certain recreational sports and classes are included in tuition and many of those activities take place at the center. The free recreational schedule usually includes several fitness classes each evening Monday through Thursday. Zumba, yoga and kickboxing are popular choices and basketball is reserved for Friday afternoons.

Flat screen TVs provide entertainment for those using the elliptical machine, treadmills, and stair climbers.

Manager Kristen Ledezma and her team offer weight training instructions to insure proper form and the prevention of injuries to all clients. Ledezma, began her career at the Fitness Center in 2002 as a professional trainer.

Recreational Sport Specialist Chris Allen and Ledezma work together to integrate the fee versus free based activities. The fitness center follows the school semester schedule. Students should try to check it out before the winter break, if not, the fun begins again in January.

The Fitness Center is located in the San Jacinto Memorial Building, 1300 Holman St., on Houston Community College’s Central Campus.