Rec Center toasts 10 years with free fitness events

For some, it’s hard to remember a time before the Barbara and David Gibbs Recreation and Wellness Center existed. Opened in September 2009 to replace outdated facilities at Tudor Fieldhouse (which has also since been updated), the Rec Center was instantly popular among Rice students, staff and faculty: Over 5,000 joined in its first year of operation.

The Rec Center is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a week of fitness events. (Photos by Tommy LaVergne)

This month, the Rec Center is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a week of fitness events, encouraging those who haven’t yet signed up for a membership to explore its options.

On Sept. 23, the Rec Center will offer free entry to the entire facility along with complimentary Mind & Body classes: gentle flow yoga at 12:10 p.m., acro yoga at 5:30 and power flow yoga at 6:45. S.W.E.A.T. classes, which are always free with membership, will also be taking place, including HydroFit in the competition pool at 11:15 a.m., kickboxing at 12:15 p.m. and spinning at 5:30.

The Rec Center will toast its members Sept. 25 in the Wellness Center courtyard from 5 to 7 p.m., with other member appreciation events to follow: Raffle drawings will take place Sept. 26 and free smoothies will be available pre- or post-workout between noon and 1 p.m. Sept. 27.

The Gibbs Rec Center is regularly ranked among the best college gyms in the nation.

Designed by architecture firm Lake Flato, the Rec Center offers two indoor and two outdoor basketball courts, an indoor soccer and hockey arena, four racquetball courts, two squash courts, a 9,000-square-foot weight and cardio workout room and four multipurpose rooms for group fitness and dance classes within its 103,000-square-foot facility. Outside, a 2,400-square-foot recreation pool flanked by palm trees, an Olympic-sized competition pool and an outdoor fitness park provide additional workout options.

The Gibbs Rec Center is regularly ranked among the best college gyms in the nation.