Special weekend hours to work off holiday pounds

Work off those Thanksgiving pounds this weekend at gyms with special holiday hours.

The REK Center at the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College will be open Saturday and Sunday, from noon until 4 p.m., for students, alumni, faculty and staff.

"Especially because of the holidays, we do not want people to neglect their workout," said Annette Livas, fitness and wellness coordinator for campus recreation. "We want to give them an outlet for exercise. I’d encourage people to come out and join us."

For those not affiliated with the university, head out to Gold’s Gym at 800 Sunrise Blvd., open until 10 p.m. tonight and from 8 a.m-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Coria Fitness Club at 26 S. Coria St. will be open until 8 p.m. tonight and from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday but will not be offering classes.

And the New Workout Fitness Center at 2695 N. Coria St. will be open until 10 p.m. tonight, from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.

People "can either spend their money at the gym or spend it at the doctor," said Douglas Kvalvog, owner of the New Workout Fitness Center. "If you want to avoid getting the flu or the cold, the best thing to do is exercise to strengthen your immune system."