Though the Gatton Student Center has won over many students, staff and alumni, the Alumni Gym seems to have many students’ hearts.

One UK student, Kate McCaughey, is an Alumni Gym regular.

“The Alumni Gym is my new favorite place to work out. It’s cleaner than the Johnson Center, closer to my apartment building, and has all my favorite weights and cardio machines,” she said. “I don’t see myself ever going anywhere else to work out.”

Alumni Gym staff also offers various classes such as group fitness, cycling and kick-boxing. Instructors vary in age, but many are UK students, just trying to stay active and keep their peers active as well. If group fitness isn’t your thing, don’t worry: The Alumni Gym has an equipment check-out station where students are able to check out jump ropes, weight bells and elastic bands so you can work out at your own pace.

With the facility’s hours being from 6 a.m. to midnight on week nights, it makes it easy for students to find a time that works for them.

The Alumni Gym is also open on weekends from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to midnight on Sundays. Another perk of the Alumni Gym is very accessible with a parking lot located right next door, plus lockers and showers for its visitors to use.

Student Anna Brahan talked about her favorite parts of the Alumni Gym.

“Since there is a parking lot right next door, it makes it so much easier to access. Unlike the Johnson Center, where I would struggle to find parking,” she said. “I also think that the group fitness classes are awesome, and they motivate me to stay active even when I get really busy with homework and exams.”

In order to use the Alumni Gym, members must have a current UK or BCTC student ID, a UK Faculty/Staff ID or a Johnson Center and Alumni Gym member ID. Guest passes are available and cost $5 per visit.