How the AFC Can Get You Up and Moving
The Athletic and Fitness Center offers a variety of machines, classes, and amenities to help you feel your best while at Chatham. (Krista Terpack)
Across Chatham University, there are offices ready to help students with various academic and extracurricular needs. The Athletic and Fitness Center in Shadyside is where students can exercise and play sports, either by themselves or in groups with peers.
Danielle Pais, an assistant athletic director and senior woman administrator, spoke to Pulse@ChathamU about the different resources the AFC has for students— even those who might not consider themselves athletes.
In the Q&A below, which has been edited for length and clarity, Pais discusses what the AFC offers to students at Chatham.
What can I do at the AFC?
Free yoga classes to stretch your body and ease your mind
Swim in the indoor pool, which features diving boards and a sauna
The fitness room offers treadmills, bikes, free weights, and other resources
Intramural activities to play low-stakes sports with your peers
Faculty and staff vs. students game days, where you get the chance to posterize your professors
Squash courts, where our top-ranked men’s team practices
The rock-climbing wall, a fun way to test your grip and strength
What are some resources that the AFC has available that some students might not know about?
We offer women and LGBTQ+ hours where people can come to learn new exercises and feel safe amongst others around them, and we offer daily open gym times so that all members of the Chatham community can use the gymnasium space.
How can students best contact the AFC with ideas, questions, or problems?
Email AFC@chatham.edu or follow us on Instagram @chathamuafc.
Why should students use the AFC?
Students should use the AFC because physical wellness plays an important role in a student's overall mental health, their personal development, and their educational experience. Using the AFC is a great way to destress, meet people, and try new things!
Learn more about the AFC at the official Chatham Cougars website, or stop by with your Chatham ID for free access.