The Physical Education Centre at Queen’s University, otherwise known- appropriately- as the PEC (pronounced ‘peck’) is the hub of all things physical on campus. This elderly limestone building is host to a number of facilities, including a gym, weight room, pool, gymnasia, squash and racquetball courts, and studios for dance or karate sessions.
The weight and exercise rooms are quite outdated and are located in the bowels of the building. As such, they’re windowless and low-ceilinged. This has its good and bad points in that it makes one want to exercise quickly and leave, yet it discourages you from going in the first place.
The cardio equipment of the exercise rooms is functional, and usually in high demand. You often must write your name down on certain machines- especially elliptical runners and treadmills- in order to save it for a later time slot.
There is a narrow padded corridor where stretching or abdominal exercises can be done before or after a workout.
The limited weight equipment in the exercise room is antiquated- some of it resembles ancient torture devices, and is kind of creepy as a result. The weight room is where you’ll find the majority of weight-training equipment, and includes all the usual apparatuses: leg press, barbells, dumbbells, benches, etc.
Members of the Kingston Community are invited to use the PEC facilities throughout the summer months (May-August), and may purchase a four-month membership for $126. Students, faculty and staff need not purchase a membership, but must have ID with them to enter. Lockers and towel/shirts/shorts/socks services are available for purchase by the month.
It’s a good idea to bring along a lock to the PEC if you plan on leaving any valuables in the locker room. Items have been stolen from the PEC in the past. Make sure to remove your lock from the locker before the gym closes, or it will be removed.
The PEC will be undergoing significant changes in the coming years (pretty much demolished, actually) as the new Queen’s Centre is built (scheduled for completion in 2010). The athletic facilities of centre will be expanded and updated significantly from the current level (thankfully!).
Location: 69 Union Street, Kingston
Hours: (School year, outside exam periods)
Mon – Fri: 7am to 11:30pm
Sat: 9am to 10:30pm, Sun: 9am to 10:30pm
For full hours visit the PEC Website
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Didn’t the pec move now that there is the Queen’s Center? Help! I’m coming to queens in the fall and I need to know all of this.