Joyce Ricci graduated as a Physical Education major from CSULB in 1968 – and now works out at the SRWC a whopping six days a week!
“I love it,” says Ricci. “I think it's the best fitness center in town. When my husband and I had the opportunity to tour the rec, we thought it was right for us.”
Ricci goes to the SRWC six days a week – three times with her husband, and twice by herself. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, she swims with her husband at 6:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays, she does aerobic exercises like riding the bike, and finishes with floor stretching and walking the track.
“I was a P.E. major, and I taught high school P.E.,” says Ricci. “So for me, every day of my life since college has started with exercising. It’s important for me because it’s a nice way to start my day, and although I’m retired, I still get up early and come to this lovely facility to work out.”
Having attended CSULB over 40 years ago, Ricci has witnessed students’ perceptions of fitness change drastically – from types of exercise to even gender-specific exercise.
“People didn’t work out before, so I was the odd duck because I always did,” she said. “Before fitness centers became so popular, our main way of exercising was running or doing aerobics classes. Now there’s so many opportunities, especially for women – it’s not odd for women to use the weights anymore or do any of the classes. So I think fitness has become much more popular and diverse, and I think it’s fabulous that it’s available to so many people!”
Ricci has been retired for 8 years, and adores the SRWC.
“It’s fun seeing the students there, because it keeps us young at heart,” she says. “It’s such a nice, clean facility, and I love all the lights. And the staff is always enthusiastic – it’s just a nice place to work out!”
Current CSULB students can be sure to take away some lessons from her philosophy.
“Healthy body, healthy mind,” she says. “You only get one body, and you better take care of it. If you don’t do it, who will? One hour a day devoted to taking care of your body will make you feel better for the rest of your day.”
