January 6, 2009 — Waiting in line to register for fitness and recreation classes will no longer be part of your workout regimen.

The Intramural-Recreational Sports Department at the University of Virginia has implemented an online service for renewing memberships, borrowing equipment and registering for programs. Patrons can even view the wait-list status of classes.

A. Carol Spry, marketing and publications coordinator for IM-Rec Sports, said she believes the online features will be very popular: No more having to drive over, park and stand in line on "sign-up night" to be sure you got into the classes you wanted.

"This is a direct response to the question I heard eight years ago when I first got here," she said. "'Do you really not do this online?'"

The online system will also allow the department to verify students' and faculty/staff eligibility for membership and classes.

Existing members can begin registering for classes and activities starting today. Open registration will begin Jan. 20. Benefits-eligible faculty and staff are invited to sign up for a free one-week trial membership Jan. 5-9.

For information, call 434-924-3791 or e-mail imrecsports@virginia.edu.