It’s been a decade since the doors opened on the Brock community’s workout space, and the Zone is just as bustling as ever.

This year, Brock’s general-purpose fitness centre celebrates its 10-year anniversary. Many students, staff and faculty gatherthere between and after classes each day to hit the free weights and exercise equipment.

Ten years ago, “we really didn’t have any workout areas,” said Karen McAllister-Kenny, director of Recreation Services. “We had a small weight room with no air circulation. There was no space for students to be active in their free time.”

Sandy Bolibruck, admissions officer in the Registrar’s office, was one of the first members of the Zone. She can be found there every morning now during the work week.

She arrives before 7 a.m. to work out before heading into the office. She also takes classes at lunch hour. She had another gym membership before the Zone opened, but exercising here made more sense, she said.

“It’s here at work so I don’t have to go out again after work. I don’t have to drive. I don’t have to find parking. By now, it’s just a part of my day.”

The Zone was part of a larger Walker Complex expansion. As the Brock community grows, so has demand for The Zone, and the centre could use a larger space, McAllister-Kenny said.

Undergraduate students pay $80 per term for a Zone membership. It also offers fitness and spinning classes.

Original staff and faculty members of the Zone fitness centre pose for an anniversary photo.