[PHOTOSTORY 2: MOTION] Georgia Southern's RAC offers exercise for the summer

 By: Joshua Jones

Erik Evans squats 215 pounds at Georgia Southern University's Recreation Activity Center on Thursday, May 27.  Evans, a sophomore, said that he has been coming to the RAC for around a year and a half.

Ed Rushton, an associate graphic design professor at GSU, does crunches on an abdominal machine.  "It's a little like coming to the bars," said Rushton. "There's loud music and televisions in every corner, but you're doing something healthy for yourself instead."

Elliott Veal listens to music as he lifts four plates on the incline press machine.  Veal was seen the previous day shooting around on one of RAC's basketball courts.

Haden Belding strains as he works out on a rowing machine.  "It's a lot cleaner than a lot of the gyms around, the price isn't bad and it's huge, so it's nice," said Belding, when asked what he thought of the RAC.

Jarred Jordan jams out as he uses the dual cable cross machine.  Georgia Southern's RAC offers over 40 resistance machines in their facility, according to their website.

Jarred Jordan lifts two 25-pound dumbbells during a set of incline dumbbell flies.  This workout is primarily used to build the pectoralis muscles in the chest.

Johnnie Sanchez does a set of dips on a multipurpose machine.  With this exercise, Sanchez is building his triceps, chest, shoulders and back.

Cole Norsworthy takes a walk on the treadmill on the second floor of the RAC.  The facility sports over 89 pieces of cardio equipment, according to their website.

Christian Jackson Robinson stretches before engaging in a cardio workout.  The RAC offers multiple padded areas in which patrons can stretch before or after physical activity, an important step that is known to prevent injury.

RAC employee Brandon Manville wipes down one of the cardio machines after its use by a patron.  Manville, who has worked at the RAC for only a week, said that his new job has a good atmosphere and his coworkers are very nice.

Carmen Graham re-racks a 45-pound weight where it is supposed to go.  The RAC contains an entire floor dedicated to strength training, according to their website.

Tyler Hawken ascends the RAC's rock-climbing wall.  Campus Recreation and Intramurals hosts multiple rock-climbing events throughout the fall and spring semesters.

Lifeguard Catherine Norkus watches over swimmers at the RAC's pool.  "This is my first week," said Norkus. "I've enjoyed it; the hours are really nice, really flexible."

Katie Tozer goes for a stroll on the walking track at the facility.  The space outside of the RAC, known as M.C. Anderson Park, includes basketball and sand volleyball courts, a pavilion, multipurpose fields and a band shell, which can be reserved for various shows and concerts, according to their website.

Diego Castro-Diez (left) shoots a midrange jumper during his warm-up before hopping into the next game.  The RAC holds eight indoor full-length basketball courts, which have recently been renovated.

Diego Castro-Diez works on his free throw shooting while warming up to play.  Basketballs can be rented from the desk by the courts using students' Eagle ID cards.

From left, Elijah Williams and RJ King lace up their shoes for a game of basketball on Friday, May 28.  Williams said that it was his first time playing basketball inside the RAC.

Elijah Williams gets into his form to shoot a midrange jumper.  "Getting back to being indoors and playing different people, having competition," said Williams on what he was most excited for about the RAC, acknowledging that the COVID-19 pandemic halted many indoor sporting activities in 2020.

RJ King dribbles into his jump shot during a shootaround with his friend.  "There's usually some competitive players on the court, so I'd say just having a good time and playing competitively on the court is probably my favorite part about it," said King.

Named after former university president and first lady, Bruce and Kathryn Grube, the Grube Recreation Activity Center is located at 2687 Bunny Akins Blvd, Statesboro, Georgia.  Students taking four or more in-person hours are charged a RAC fee that allows them access to the facility, but memberships and guest passes are available to purchase for those who do not fit that requirement.