For most students, college will be the first opportunity to experience the perks of adulthood: meeting new people, finding cool parties and the freedom to chug an iced caramel macchiatto with your Chick-fil-A and Taco Cabana.

                However, recent studies reveal that students entering college will gain an average of 5-15 pounds within their first year, often referred to as the “freshman 15.” While stress, alcohol and poor eating choices top the list of factors that contribute to weight gain, a dramatic decline in physical activity is slowly making its way to number one.

                “When I attended UTSA I gained 30 pounds because I stopped working out,” David Canales, senior marketing major and June 2009 bench press competition winner, said.

              But why? For $250, a fee that is already included in your tuition, you can indulge in a smorgasbord of games and exercise at the UTSA Recreation and Wellness Center.  The price of admission simply requires the swipe of your UTSA Card.

                “The Campus Recreation Center is a great place to improve your overall conditioning and healthy lifestyle pursuits,” Tony Daniels, associate director of operations, said.  “I advise beginners, freshmen, and new students to take full advantage of what intramural sports, outdoor pursuits, club sports, aquatics, fitness, and open recreation have to offer in regards to participation and leadership.”

                And that’s exactly what many incoming students plan to do.  In fact, three out of five new students ranked the Recreation Center the number one attraction at UTSA, and not the parking.

                Here’s what students are saying:

                “The Recreation Center has a friendly staff, a ton of dumbbells, state-of-the-art cardio machines and other weight lifting equipment,” Canales said.

                “I like that it’s clean all the time. I worked at 24-hour Fitness and the cleanliness didn’t come anywhere close to the Recreation Center,” John Loth, junior engineering major, said.

                 Alan Holt, a UTSA student alumnus, prefers the “new, clean, and un-crowded” facilities at UTSA over other fitness centers in San Antonio when visiting for the summer.  

                Despite the wide assortment of traditional fitness equipment, the Recreation Center has an endless list of activities and events, making it the one-stop spot on campus for friends and fitness.

                “We strive to meet the needs of a diverse university community, paying particular attention to the needs of UTSA students,” Daniels said.

                Freshman Eddie Garza goes loves to shoot hoops, but also believes coming to the Recreation Center is “a good way to make friends and meet new people. Once you make friends, you’ll always have a team to play basketball or to just hang out.”

                But basketball, racquetball, ping-pong and volleyball aren’t the only group sports you’ll discover.

                Have you ever been tempted to scale the side of a rocky cliff, but just couldn’t find the time?    Well, the Recreation center’s Rock Wall will satisfy your craving for adventure, as you scale this 54 foot replica of the real thing. Go solo, or gather some friends and make a reservation to climb in groups. New climbers and inexperienced climbers are welcome.

                Competitive students who maintain a 2.0 GPA are encouraged to try out and compete in a club sport like baseball, fencing, power lifting or soccer.

                “The Recreation Center even offers personal trainers and fitness classes for free when many other universities charge for that,” Canales said. “They have everything I need and don't need.”

                And we’re not just talking about water aerobics here: kickboxing, street jazz and mixed martial arts are just a few of the classes the Recreation Center is offering this summer.

                “Working out helps me zone out all my problems and stress, leaving me with techno playing in my ears and metal in my hands as I reach new goals,” Canales said. “Not to mention makes me easier on the eyes in a Speedo.”

                Sheesh—if all this talk about exercise is making you sweat already, consider relaxing in the Recreation Center pool, which features three 25 yard lanes, a lazy river, two cold spas, a recreational pool, two hot spas and an island for lounging.

                For $25-$40 dollars, you can splurge on a professional massage therapy session. Or, just get away from it all and go on a camping trip. Yes, I said camping.

                The Recreation Center will loan you camping gear, kayaks and canoes free of charge. (Some equipment requires prior orientation.)

                “Instead of wasting money on fast food or a bad movie, coming to the gym saves you money, while improving your health in general,” Holt said.

                Of course any fitness guru will tell you that a good fitness routine is only half the battle.

                 A personalized nutrition plan will not only help you notice results faster but will also motivate you to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Schedule a free consultation or attend an interactive cooking demonstration with Registered Dietician Annie Bell. She can create a personalized diet to fit your fitness goals or teach you the basics of good nutrition.

                “The facility is open early in the morning and closes late at night.  There are many opportunities for involvement,” Daniels said.

                Did I forget to mention anything? Absolutely. Like a Chinese buffet, not everything will fit on one plate. Thankfully, the Recreation Center staff is there to help you every step of the way. So grab a friend, schedule a fitness assessment and jump on the bandwagon to a healthy start at UTSA.