University of Houston-Victoria students living in the university’s residence halls now can use the YMCA of the Golden Crescent for free this school year.

The discounts are part of a recent agreement between the university and YMCA to provide free and low-cost health club services for UHV students.

UHV students who live off-campus can join the YMCA for $18 a month. The YMCA’s $50 enrollment fee also will be waived.

Jay Lambert

Jay Lambert, UHV’s associate vice president for student affairs, said the arrangement gives students an additional place to exercise.

“We realize that UHV has a sizable number of students who come from outside Victoria and may not be familiar with places to go work out,” Lambert said. “This is an important amenity to add because it promotes healthy living and gives our students a no-cost or low-cost fitness option.”

Students can exercise at the Victoria Family YMCA, 1806 N. Nimitz St., or the Calhoun County Family YMCA, 1300 N. Virginia St. in Port Lavaca.

Madi Gregory, association membership and marketing director for the YMCA of the Golden Crescent, said the YMCA is putting a greater emphasis on attracting college students.

Madi Gregory

“When I became membership and marketing director, I really wanted to focus on that group,” she said. “We need to reach out to the students in our community who need a second home while they are away from their home.”

Gregory said the YMCA is excited to have an influx of new college students as members.

“We can’t wait to see what kind of dynamic they add to our facility,” she said.

The Victoria YMCA offers many weight-training options including weight racks, benches, free weights and cardio equipment. Personal trainers are available for an additional cost. The facility also has a basketball court and indoor swimming pool.

In addition, members can take free group exercise classes. There are six different Zumba and spin classes to choose from as well as Pilates, yoga and kickboxing.

The Calhoun YMCA offers many of the same fitness options. Some of the group exercise offerings are cycling, step classes and yoga. There also is a pool and basketball court.

YMCA staff members visited the UHV campus earlier this week to raise awareness about the agreement and enroll students.

“The students who filled out applications are in our computer system,” Gregory said. “All they’ll have to do at the YMCA is get their photo taken and come on in,” she said.

UHV’s new apartment-style residence hall, Jaguar Suites, has a fitness center. But the YMCA adds some new and different fitness opportunities.

“There’s no question students will take advantage of this opportunity at the YMCA,” Lambert said. “They have some additional options at the YMCA that may be appealing.”

Lambert said YMCA staff also will assist with bringing a few group classes to the Jaguar Suites fitness center.

“We want to thank the YMCA for partnering with us to expand fitness outreach for our students,” Lambert said.

For more information about the UHV and YMCA agreement, call the YMCA of the Golden Crescent at 361-575-0511.