The Miami University Recreation and Fitness Center offers more than just a place for students to lift weights. Oxford residents use it to work out as well.
Memberships are available to everyone in Oxford. Children over 12 are welcome to come when accompanied by an adult on a family plan, and those 16 years and older are allowed to use all of the facilities by themselves.
Chris Starkey, an Oxford resident, utilizes the personal training resources at the rec center with Denis Mullaly, one of the personal trainers.
“He is great about designing exercises that I will do,” Starkey said. “He will check in with me and ask, ‘Do you like these workouts? Do you think you will do them? If not, there are options, and we can work on other things that you will do.’ He is very, very good and very, very knowledgeable and will take the time to explain things thoroughly.”
Personal training and equipment use are only the tip of the iceberg. Oxford offers a wide range of camps and programs for youth, which are often utilized by area residents.
The Outdoor Pursuits Center has several youth rock climbing teams for 5 to 16-year-olds that focus on different levels of strength and skills. In addition, there is a “Sender” competitive team that older, more experienced climbers can join.
The Miami University Aquatics Center offers swim and dive lessons taught by Water Safety Instructors certified by the American Red Cross. The center also offers camps and programs for Youth Gymnastics and Equestrian activities on Western Campus.
The most popular program for non-students is still the Silver Sneaks and Golden membership, which accommodates Oxford’s senior population. Residents can qualify for the program through Medicare supplements if they are 65 or older.
Erin Jennings, associate director of fitness, has first-hand experience hiring the professionals that lead recreation classes, including the Silver Sneakers programs.
“Through insurance, you get a free golden membership here at the Rec Center, which gives you access to everything within the facility,” Jennings said. “It also gives you access to free Silver Sneakers classes, which happen five days a week. You also get free access to our water fitness program, which runs four days a week, both in the leisure pool, which is shallow for aqua toners, and in the dive well, which is deep water power.”
For residents with the golden membership who want to branch out of Silver Sneaker classes, the rec offers daily workout classes, including yoga, spin, pilates, zumba and are open to all ages.
