The dreaded freshman 15 can be avoided by hitting up Cabrini’s gymnasium, the Dixon Center. Aided by the variety of equipment and activities being offered at the Dixon Center, students have the opportunity to shape up.
Located on the west side of campus, the Dixon Center houses a gymnasium with three full-length basketball courts, squash courts, a fitness center and strength training area, a dance and aerobic room, an indoor track and locker rooms.
Also if students are interested in taking a class at the Dixon Center there are classes such as basketball, tennis, squash, self defense, kickboxing, volleyball, CPR and first aid, Irish step dancing, yoga, stress management and movement for children, which are being offered this semester. However the class schedules and the courses offered change each semester.
Christina Snead, a freshman elementary education major, said, “It’s great that they offer dance classes. I used to take dances classes at home and I can still keep up with them at the Dixon Center and get credit.”
Students can also find out what fitness program suits them best by participating in a fitness assessment. A fitness assessment is offered to all students, and it helps to provide students with the best fitness level for them according to their gender and age. After a fitness assessment is taken an exercise program can be created to help students meet their fitness goals.
Several intramural and recreational activities are being offered at that Dixon Center this semester. Kayaking, kickball, dodgeball, ultimate frisbee, flag football, basketball and soccer are the activities that will be taking place at the Dixon Center.
Off campus events will be activities such as rock climbing, which will have transportation provided by the Cabrini shuttle, paintball and a canopy tour.
Orlin Jespersen, director of intramurals and recreation, said, “I’m trying to accommodate everyone. I’m not opposed to adding more programs. If students show interest in a new program I encourage them to come see me so we can start it up.”
After Labor Day the hours will be changing at the Dixon Center and students can take advantage of Cabrini’s sports and recreation complex after, during the hours of 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.
In addition, the Dixon Center has a swimming pool, which also will be changing its hours of operation after Labor Day. The pool will be open between the hours of 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 a.m.
Nikki Duggan, a sophomore English and communication major, said, “I’m a little bitter that the hours have changed at the Dixon Center and that they are no longer open until 1 a.m., but I think all students should take advantage of the Dixon Center.
Also Jespersen encourages students to check Cabrini’s website or to contact the Dixon Center at: 610-225-3901 if they any questions about the Dixon Center or the intramural and recreational activities that are being offered.
