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University Fitness Center - FAQs
- Why must I show my UFC ID card when I come into the building
Membership cards serve to verify that you are a current UFC member. Because the UFC is not open to the public and because you pay a membership fee, requiring you to show your membership card at check-in helps us to reserve use of the facility to you and other members!
- Can I put my membership on hold if I am injured, or must leave the area for an indefinite period of time?
UFC memberships can be fairly flexible. In the case of an injury, we will work with your treating physician or physical therapist to maintain an appropriate activity program. It is rare that an injury completely limits a person's ability to exercise, and because the UFC offers a wide variety of exercise options, we usually find a way to continue a safe program and minimize deconditioning that may accompany your injury. - I just joined the UFC. My boyfriend wants to join, too. Can we have a joint membership?
You and your boyfriend qualify as a joint membership if you sign up and pay within one week of each other. - Why are new member orientations so important?
First, the orientation gives us a chance to answer questions about your membership, policies, the facility, programs, schedules, staff, and services and second, serves to get you started on a safe, effective, and efficient training program. This is especially important for beginners, and it's helpful for experienced exercisers because there may be unfamiliar equipment. - My 26 year old still lives at home with me. Can he join the UFC as my dependent?
Because the UFC is a part of Penn State University, we are a tax-exempt facility. As such, we have several restrictions regarding membership eligibility, so as not to violate the state's Unfair Competition legislation. An employee's "dependent" must fit the legal definition of dependent in order to be eligible for a UFC membership. A good rule of thumb is that if you can't claim your child as a dependent on your taxes, he/she isn't eligible to join the UFC. - I am an employee of Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, can my wife and kids come to the fitness center?
Yes-spouses of employees and dependents between the ages of 12 and 24 (full time student) may join the UFC. We have lots of families who work-out together!
- Why is it necessary to wipe off the equipment when I am done with it?
To keep the equipment clean and functional, and to minimize the spread of cold viruses. The reality about the cleanliness of a fitness facility is that it is noticed when it isn't-clean. The staff wipes down the equipment on a regular basis, but there is no way we can keep up with the task when folks are very sweaty or walking in with dirty, muddy shoes. Cleaning up after yourself has to be a policy we all observe. It is safe to assume, and the polite thing to assume, that "clean" matters to your fellow UFC members. - Why is there a 30 minute limit on a lot of your cardio equipment? That's not long enough
The purpose of the 30 minute limit on many of the cardio training pieces is to keep things moving!! We know that many people would love to spend more time-perhaps an hour or more- on certain pieces however, how fair is that to many other members who want to use that piece? In 30 minutes you can get an effective work-out. If you want to do more, move to another piece and consider the benefits of cross-training.
- What can you tell me about the bike trail that loops around the campus?
Derry Township opened the Bike and Pedestrian Trail on May 12, 2001. This trail literally connects the township because it runs from Shank Park around Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center campus to Cherry Drive then onto Fishburn Road where it connects with the existing trail. - Can I have a permanent locker? I'll pay for it.
Having lockers available for rent is a great idea and it would certainly make things easier for a lot of members! Unfortunately, this is something that we tried a number of years ago, and we ran into a few problems. The most noteworthy thing we discovered was that during our busy times (like 4:00-7:00 PM), there just weren't enough lockers to go around. So, in the name of fairness for all members, we have decided to keep our lockers available on a "per visit" basis - Where is the University Fitness Center located?
The UFC is located on the West side of the campus. Click here to learn more. - What's the distance of the walking loop between Penn State Hershey Medical Center and Rt 322?
It is just over 1/2 mile. .56 of a mile to be exact (well, maybe not exact, but pretty close). We figure 1 3/4 loops makes a mile. - Do you have a pool?
No, but the Derry Township Pool is a great resource located near campus. - Who can use the soccer and softball fields?
The soccer and softball fields are here primarily for students and others who live on campus, and for employees. The fields must be reserved, and we manage the reservation calendar. - What are your Summer hours and when are they effective?
Summer hours are effective Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Monday-Thursday 5:30 am - 9:00 pm, Friday 5:30 am - 7:00 pm, Saturday 8:00 am - Noon, Sunday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. We are closed on the Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day holidays.
- My department wants to have an event in the University Conference Center. How do I reserve it, and what else is involved?
The University Conference Center is available for campus bookings, and spaces can be reserved using Meeting Room Manager. Please see the Conference Center Layout to aid in planning of your event. Please see the Conference Center Information Packet which includes both the Conference Center policies and the Conference Center Request Form. Additional questions can be directed to Mary Ellen Shaffer or Susan Dobbs at 717-531-7075.
- Do you have child care?
Not at the UFC, however, there is a day care center on the east side of campus next to the Academic Support Building called Magic Years.
- Why do the Basic Training Fitness Classes go on 2-week breaks?
Basic Training Fitness Classes take regularly scheduled 2-week breaks three times per year: At the end of summer (Labor day); at the end of Fall semester (Christmas and New Years; and at the end of May (Memorial Day). These breaks serve several purposes:- To coincide with the students' semester schedule while employees are observing major holidays. These times are typically "low traffic" for the University Fitness Center.
- To allow the instructors to plan for a major break in their program. They get a little well deserved R & R, can anticipate shaking things up, and plan for newcomers.
- To create an opportunity for newcomers to start in a new class. While we are very comfortable with our class environment, this is all new to some people. The intimidation factor might be lowered just enough at the beginning of a new session to make a new person comfortable and give it a try.
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