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Duke Gyms Open Doors for Preview May 17

Duke employees without memberships can try out rec centers

An instructor leads the “Muscle Pump” group fitness class at Duke’s Wilson Recreation Center on West Campus. Courtesy of Duke Recreation and Physical Education
An instructor leads the “Muscle Pump” group fitness class at Duke’s Wilson Recreation Center on West Campus. Courtesy of Duke Recreation and Physical Education
By April Dudash

Duke staff and faculty who want to try a spin class, run on a treadmill or lift weights can work out May 17 without a membership.

Duke Recreation and Physical Education is hosting its first Faculty and Staff Preview Day, when employees can show their DukeCard ID, sign a waiver and try out Wilson and Brodie recreation centers between 9 a.m. and noon at no charge.

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"A Duke Recreation membership helps employees maintain a healthy and active lifestyle," said Norma Whitley, member services coordinator for Duke Recreation and Physical Education. "They may start out walking three laps on the track, and before you know it, they're doing five rounds around the track. It boosts confidence. It helps both your physical and your mental state."

Duke Recreation staff will have tables set up in the Wilson Center lobby with information about memberships and fitness programs. Staff also will give tours of both Wilson and Brodie the morning of May 17.

Besides offering group fitness classes such as high intensity interval training, Duke Recreation is partnering with LIVE FOR LIFE, Duke's employee wellness program, to promote the discounted individual membership rate of $17.33 per month, which is available to Duke faculty and staff who sign up through LIVE FOR LIFE's Duke Fitness Club.

"A lot of our members, especially employees, they come here every day," said Alexander Marse, Duke Recreation's marketing coordinator. "When you use our facilities, you get committed. We have a really supportive staff that helps people who want to achieve certain goals."

In addition to the free workout day on May 17, Duke Recreation and Physical Education is offering another special this summer.

Duke staff and faculty who join Wilson and Brodie recreation centers for the first time between July 1 and July 14 will receive a free July membership. Employees who already have a membership and renew between June 16 and July 14 also will not be charged in July.

Duke employees who sign up for the first time through LIVE FOR LIFE also will receive the free month of July membership.

"You want your workout to be enjoyable. You want to have fun," said Jacqueline McMillan, LIVE FOR LIFE fitness program manager. "We're helping employees find a facility that's right for them."