Belk Gym aids employees’ fitness goals
Maintaining a focus on exercise and healthy living can be a challenge for employees. At the end of the workday, when others may be headed home, payroll specialist Tahnett Mack can be found at the Belk Gym.
Since joining the newly renovated facility in February, Mack said she’s lost 20 pounds. “I enjoy using the equipment to target different body parts. I also love the instructors for the fitness class, and the staff members are friendly and helpful when I require assistance with the use of a machine I may not be familiar with using.”
Mack purchased a membership that enables her to use Belk Gym. Current and retired employees and their spouses are eligible to purchase memberships, and there are plans that enable the use of the gym and the recreational facilities in Barnhardt Student Activity Center, too. Payroll deduction is an option to buy certain memberships.
Kemet Gatchell, assistant director for promotions and special events in the Recreational Services Department, said, “The better Belk Gym serves many recreational and academic needs for the campus. There’s more dedicated fitness space and four courts that can be used for basketball, badminton or volleyball and two courts for racquetball. Plus, there are cycling and group fitness studios, a fitness center and air conditioning throughout the facility.”
Before purchasing a membership, Mack said she previewed the gym and discovered all the amenities it offered, including group fitness classes, such as yoga, Pilates, Zumba and more.
“I would recommend becoming a Belk Gym member to any of my fellow employees who are interested in getting fit and paying a lot less than at other gyms,” said Mack.
Veteran employee Frank Fleming kept track of the renovations to the gym. In his 30th year on campus, Fleming, director of budget and personnel administration with student affairs, recalled one of his earliest experiences with Belk Gym.
“My kids are now adults, but they learned to swim at Belk Gym back when the University offered swim classes for the families of employees,” said Fleming. “Now the pool is renovated, and I see people using it for their daily workout.”
The remodeled indoor pool measures 25 meters by 25 yards; lap swim is a daily option. There also is a shallow area for water walking.
Fleming bought a membership to Belk Gym, and he frequents the facility four times a week. He worked with Belk Gym trainers to develop a regimen best-suited for someone who has had a knee injury.
Since joining the gym, Fleming, too, has lost 20 pounds, and he said his goal is to continue to build on this success.
Convenience is a major factor in why Mack and Fleming use Belk Gym.
“The facility is close and easy to get to after work,” stated Mack. “It’s nice that it’s within walking distance of my office in Reese Building.”
Fleming added, “With Belk Gym so close, I can use the free weights and do cardio, then shower and get back to my office in an hour.”
The Recreational Services Department manages Belk Gym, which also is home to the Kinesiology Department of the College of Health and Human Services. During normal business hours, a member of recreational services can provide a free tour of Belk Gym.
Inside UNC Charlotte published an article about the renovated Belk Gym in January. More information on memberships offered by recreational services is on the Web.