Some of the weights, benches and cable cross machines at the Fitness Center are missing parts and rusty and will be replaced after their warranties expired on March 1.
Student Government adopted the initiative “Let’s Get Physical, Physical” to draw funds for the equipment, focused primarily on “strength, free weights, and bars,” according to Fitness & Intramurals Coordinator Gregory Haverlock. Senators moved to pass the bill on Feb. 27.
Sens. Franklin Alves and Jozef Gherman drafted the bill and conducted a survey of current gym equipment with Haverlock. Missing pins and guards, rusted benches and weak cable cross lines were among the hazards listed. Any equipment with an expired warranty will be taken offline.
The current equipment has been in place for 10 to 12 years, according to Matthew Morrin, director of Student Life and Engagement. University expansion has led to increased facilities use. From July 1 through Dec. 31, 2012, over 14,038 individual users visited the Fitness Center.
“It’s a good mix of regulars as in students, the public and general staff,” said Alaura Marriott, who works at the Fitness Center’s front desk. She said attendance peaks during class hours and on Thursday evenings.
“We want to get the best we can for the money we have,” Morrin said. “We know that the Fitness Center is something that students look at in the institution that they want to go to.”
Recent additions to the Fitness Center include the Woodway Curve treadmills and the Green Machine bikes in the upstairs cardio room, courtesy of the Student Green Energy Fund.
“Budgets are tight all over, so when you can collaborate with other departments, it’s a good thing,” Morrin said.
Haverlock and Morrin attended the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association convention to seek out durable, safe equipment for the Fitness Center. Goals for new equipment are extended warranties, gender-friendly pieces and reasonable prices. Four quotes led to an estimated cost of $138,000 total. Old equipment is to be bought back for $5,000 to $8,000 or donated to local high schools.
Photo: Thomas Boyd, The Crow’s Nest
