If you’ve ever walked into a new gym and felt completely out of your element, you are not alone. In fact, a OnePoll survey of 2,000 Americans found that gym intimidation, or “gymtimidation,” affects one in two people – ranking it right up there with membership cost and inconvenience as top reasons people avoid gyms altogether.

But that can’t deter College of Charleston faculty and staff from the George Street Fitness Center! With its central location on campus and its $50/semester employee passes, the GSFC already offers CofC employees convenience and affordability. And now it is offering them a little confidence, too!

Nick Calamari

GSFC staff member, sophomore Nick Calamari demonstrates how to use the gym’s new hack squat machine.

From 5:15–6:15 p.m. on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, Campus Recreation Services is holding a free open house of the GSFC just for faculty and staff so that they can get familiar with the facility, see demonstrations of the equipment and ask any questions they may have.

“This event is for all fitness levels – from the novice to those looking to get back into shape to the experienced looking to find a new gym,” says Sara Coleman ’17, assistant director of fitness, adding that the GSFC recently updated and added quite a few new machines, so even those who’ve been longtime members should stop by. “I’m really excited about the new equipment, and I want to make sure everyone who wants to use it feels comfortable doing so.”

stair climbers

Stair steppers are among the new George Street Fitness Center equipment.

That’s always the goal for Coleman and the GSFC staff, in fact.

“We care about the fitness of all members of the Cougar community, and we want faculty and staff to know that this is their gym, too,” says Coleman. “We are always here to assist them and guide them through their fitness journey, and want them to feel welcomed and confident as soon as they walk through the doors.”

The George Street Fitness Center is located on the bottom floor of Campus Center Sterling Apartments.

To attend the GSFC open house, email Coleman at colemansm@cofc.edu to RSVP.