The 'Complex'

by Caroline Basile, sports editor

 The Complex offers a place for South Plains College students, faculty, and members of the community to exercise in a well-equipped environment.

Classes offered include Yoga, Strength Training, Circuit Training, Bellies, Indoor Cycling, and Zumba.

“The newest class is our Zumba class,” said Dee Dee Odorizzi, director of the complex. “It’s a Latin dance class, and it’s been a really big hit. We’re excited about that.”

The Complex is also looking to add more of a variety by adding more classes.

“We are working on getting certification for a kickboxing fitness class,” Odorizzi added. “We’ve been trying to get more students in here to take our classes. We have a lot of people from the community that utilize our classes. They are the majority of our students participating in our classes.”

Many of the classes offered are enjoyed by members of the local community, along with students and faculty.

The hours that the Complex are open are 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Friday. The facility also is open daily during the lunch hour from 12:15 p.m. to 12:55 p.m. In addition, The Complex is open Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays, and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

“The hours sound a little crazy,” Odorizzi added.  “People do get frustrated that they cannot go over here at any time, but there are also classrooms that are used often.”

Full-time students can get in for free, just by bringing their student ID. Part-time students must pay a small fee for the semester according to the amount of hours that they are taking.

“The Yoga class is one of our most popular classes,” Odorizzi said. “It has a large turnout every class, but space is very limited. They are all going really well right now. We’ve got very solid participation in all of our classes.”

Physical fitness is one thing students need to keep up with and take care of their bodies, especially throughout their academic careers, according to Odorizzi.

“One thing I think it’s important for students to know is that students who are physically fit are better students,” Odorizzi added. “Students who exercise make better grades, especially in their afternoon classes. In the afternoons, students get this energy slump, they get tired, and fall asleep in class. So if they came over and moved around a little bit during lunch, they would be amazed at how much more they pay attention. You don’t even have to do a hardcore workout, just walking around the Dome or outside on a nice day for 15 minutes before class.”