Muscles flex, sweat drips and sneakers squeak in Rec Hall on a weeknight -- but not always for a basketball game or a gymnastics meet. Students use University exercise facilities every day for personal workouts.

The University and many downtown facilities offer a broad range of opportunities to students who want to exercise.

"What has impressed me about Penn State over the last 25 years is that our facilities are more open and offer more open recreational programs than any other school," said Vance McCullough, director of club sports. "Penn State is extremely open about making its facilities available to the students."

The University's programs are a division of intercollegiate athletics, said Amy Rusnak, recreational sports fitness coordinator. It is a self-supporting system, Rusnak said, adding that all money received through fees goes toward equipment and instructor salaries.

"We're not here to make money," she said. "We are a service to the University community."

The University's aerobics programs, which include funk, step, toning and tightening, high and low impact and aquasize aerobics are extremely popular, especially among female students, Rusnak said.

Last semester, aerobic fees increased from 50 cents to $1 because the program is so large, Rusnak said. More than 80 classes are offered per week with about 23 instructors, she said.

All the aerobic instructors are students and most have certification, Rusnak said.

Another University program is the Weight Room Introduction, which teaches students how to use the weight equipment and to develop a personal training program.

Students can also use campus facilities for free personal workouts. Weight rooms are available in White Building, Rec Hall and the Intramural Building. Rec Hall and the IM Building have indoor jogging tracks. White Building and the McCoy Natatorium have indoor pools. Outdoor fields are available for any recreational use.

University exercise facilities have an advantage over downtown because students are not locked into a membership, Rusnak said, adding that they can start and stop going whenever they want, without losing money.

"It's a lot cheaper since we don't have to pay for a membership," said Molly Miller (senior-communication disorders). "The quality is good, and it's a closer walk than having to go all the way downtown."

The downtown exercise facilities generally have established membership fees that include complete use of all equipment.

Body Works Health and Fitness Center, 458 E. College Ave., has free weights, aerobic classes, strength training and cardiovascular equipment. Membership for the remainder of the semester is $99.

"Most of our members are students so we set up our pricing to fit their budgets," said Denny Lingenfelter, general manager.

Heartwork, 204 W. College Ave., is solely an aerobic facility that offers a variety of memberships, from a monthly plan to a special semester plan for $59. People can also come to the classes on a drop-in basis for $3.

About 85 percent of Heartwork's users are students, said employee Megan Gaffney.

"We have top-of-the-line aerobics classes, and students think we are very professional," Gaffney said. "I'd say the only advantage that campus may have over us is in price."

But some students think the campus programs are just as effective for everyday workouts.

"I've known people who go downtown," said Lisa Kolbicka (senior-elementary education). "I think you get basically the same workout on campus for cheaper, especially considering we're college students."

"I think it's the real go-getters who go downtown," Miller said.

The University's facilities range from state-of-the-art in the Fitness Loft to good, serviceable, but older equipment, McCullough said.

"One of the advantages downtown is that they charge everyone who walks in the door, so they may be more current and state-of-the-art," McCullough said.

Another downtown advantage is a more personalized program at some facilities.

Gold's Gym, 131 S. Pugh St., emphasizes personalized programs with trainers, said owner Kary Krieger.

"We plan according to the individual's needs with a trainer and a lot of instruction to increase education," Krieger said. "In that, we have an advantage over University facilities because students can't learn by themselves, and the University can't always have someone on hand to teach them."