The Western Washington University fitness program at the Wade King Recreation Center changed its price for group fitness classes for fall 2024. Originally priced at $45 per quarter, attendees will now be charged $30 per class.
For students who aren’t looking to be one-time attendees, this makes the overall class prices skyrocket. Zumba, spin, glutes and abs, yoga, pilates, women on weights and full body conditioning will be affected by this price shift.
“We are not immune to the various budget challenges, such as rising minimum wage, increased utility rates, higher equipment costs and other operational increases,” Adam Leonard, director of campus recreation services, said via email.
Fitness classes on weekends will remain free to students, as well as an option for a $5 drop-in fee to try a class without purchasing the class. Free classes include spin and women on weights on Saturdays and Zumba, spin and yoga on Sundays.
Drop-in fees are paid at the rec center before the start of class and are for classes offered during the week. Weekend classes do not require a drop-in fee. Free classes give students a chance to try classes without having to pay a $5 fee. Power Hour LGBTQ+ classes on Wednesdays will also be free.
Western's X Pass assessment, conducted in fall 2016, shows a steady decrease in fitness class attendance since 2010. As class attendance decreases, the rec center has been forced to raise fitness class fees to pay their instructors.
Due to changing standards for class membership, all attending students must now show proof of purchase for their fitness classes. Previously, instructors have not been expected to take attendance or verify payment, which has created concern about how this may affect attendance overall.
Cuinn Cudabac, a Western student and glutes and abs instructor in the fitness program explained that he prioritizes students’ ability to attend classes over his own compensation.
“If possible, I would just like to teach for free and volunteer for it,” Cudabac said.
Spin instructor Riley Hammock similarly worries that attendance will impact her colleagues' classes and is concerned about the consequences of these cuts.
“Niche classes that already don’t have a lot of students are going to struggle a lot,” Hammock said.
Western fourth-year Katie Reynolds regularly attends Hammock’s spin class and will have to choose one fitness class out of the multiple she was previously able to attend.
“Fitness classes can encourage more people to go to the rec center and allow for inclusivity for those of us who may not want to do the weight room or play basketball,” Reynolds said.
If she attends the same classes she did in spring 2024, Reynolds would pay $60 in fall quarter compared to the $45 she paid in the spring.
“Before with the old X Pass, I had more freedom to try classes, maybe [I’d] feel like Zumba today… but now I wouldn't willingly pay for a Zumba class,” Reynolds said.
Sean Hall, a manager at Basecamp Fitness Bellingham, emphasized the importance of guided workout classes for new people to the gym and regular gym-goers.
“There are lots of brand new athletes who have never worked out…folks with all body sizes and ages,” Hall said. “I coach people in their mid-70’s all the way down to semi-professional athletes.”
For students concerned about the increase in class prices, the rec center welcomes student feedback. Feedback can be provided via complaint cards at the rec center front desk.
“We listen very closely, and even encourage those we serve to share their thoughts and concerns about the service they receive from us,” Leonard said. “We understand, as long as it is within our control, our customers/patrons drive decisions we make."
Jackie Hopkins (she/her) is a Sports and Recreation reporter for The Front. She is a junior studying communications with a minor in public relations journalism. In her free time, she enjoys reading, working out and spending time with her friends. You can reach her at jackiehopkins.thefront@gmail.com.
