With the winter break right around the corner, the Ventura College Gym has been an epicenter of action as students, community members and a cadre of faculty burn off the holiday’s empty calories.

Located in the athletic center by the west parking lot, the gym offers all the amenities of a state-of-the-art facility.

“It’s easy to get to and I can work out as I work around my schedule,” said Rosaly Sandoval, a 20-year-old sophomore at Ventura College.

Nelson Emery, a fitness instructor at the Ventura College gym, pointed out the benefits to an active lifestyle, with an emphasis on the endorphin release after a workout.

“A physically fit person usually is a happy person,” Emery said with a grin.

Renee Viera, who lives near the campus, said, “I was paying too much annually at my previous gym and I came here to find everyone is real helpful in showing how to use all this great equipment.”

The gym is open to all students and community members who register for PE V43, listed in the Spring 2008 Class Schedule.

Gym operating hours are Mondays and Wednesdays 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. (closed 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.), Tuesdays and Thursdays 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Those interested in the gym may visit www.venturacollege.edu for more information.