Dear Benny,
I want to join the gym at Penn, but I don’t know where to start. What does a membership include? And can I take all kinds of fitness classes with a membership?
—Wanting to feel the burn

Dear Wanting,
Penn has lots of fitness options, depending on your wellness needs and goals. According to Amy Wagner, director of recreation, members of the Penn community can choose between a Penn Rec membership that includes both the Pottruck Center at 3701 Walnut St. and the Fox Fitness Center in Weiss Pavilion at Franklin Field, or just one that allows you access to Fox.

As of Oct. 11, the pro-rated price for an annual faculty or staff membership (annual meaning from Sept. 1, 2012 through Aug. 31, 2013) is $378 for both Pottruck and Fox and $180 for Fox. Penn Rec also offers a membership for spouses, domestic partners, and children ages 6 to 18 for $288 annually. Members must have a PennCard.

So, what does membership encompass? Wagner says this includes access to cardio and weight room equipment, Sheerr Pool, the Ringe Squash Courts, outdoor boot camp and indoor circuit classes at Penn Park and Fox, and towel services and day lockers.

In addition, membership allows you to purchase programs and services at a discount, including massage, yoga, karate, dance, golf, swim lessons, and Pilates.

For an additional $120, you can buy a pass to group exercise classes, which include Body Combat, Body Pump, and Spinning.

But, if you don’t know where to begin, sign up for one of Penn Rec’s three free PennFit programs—healthy lifestyle programs open to anyone at Penn. The 6- or 7-week courses focus on fitness and wellness, healthy eating, stress management, and advanced strength training and conditioning.

For information on all Penn Rec services, go to www.upenn.edu/recreation/ or email pennrec@pobox.upenn.edu.