A throng of fitness seekers made their way through Alumni Gym on Monday for the opening of the new Fitness Center. Late in the afternoon, about 80 people were working out with all but a few of the 40 cardio pieces in use.
More than 300 had visited during the day. “That's more people that I've seen all winter,” said Mike Polsinelli, who mans the desk at the building entrance.
Some came ready to work out; others came to survey the equipment and make plans to return.
An informal survey showed nothing but praise for the new center; words like “amazing” and “awesome” were common.
“This really gives us a 'Wow' factor,” said Jim McLaughlin, director of athletics, Friday as he watched technicians adjust equipment in their own version of March Madness. “This renovation addresses a longstanding need on this campus. This is much more than a fitness facility; it will be one of the primary social spaces for students, faculty, staff and alumni.”
The 12,000-square-foot center triples the size of the former facility. It features an upper level – site of the former basketball court — with more than 40 pieces of cardio equipment (treadmills, elliptical trainers, bikes and steppers) and 20 stations of modular weight training equipment.
The lower level (former home of the cardio equipment and the free weight room) features dumbbells, rack/platform stations and plate-loaded and utility stations. It also has a second dance and aerobics room (besides the one on the second floor), offices for athletics staff, and upgraded locker rooms.
Throughout both levels are custom audio and video systems with plasma televisions. One recumbent bike has its own “cardio theater.” Users of the cardio machines can plug headphones into consoles and tune to the audio on any of the six televisions.
All of the cardio machines face the east wall of the gym, where large new windows bring in natural light. New lighting, paint, flooring and a reception area give the old gym a new look. But the design preserves many of the architectural elements of the original 1914 building — brick walls, arched windows, and roof structure.
The project was made possible by an anonymous gift of $2 million. It was designed by Sacco and McKinney Architects, and built by MLB Construction Services.
“This renovated space will fill a critical void for the entire campus community,” said Interim President James Underwood. “It will contribute to the well-being of our community in more ways than one: in fitness, in our attractiveness to applicants, and in providing spaces that are notable for their appearance.”
General hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 11 p.m.
For more, visit:
http://www.unionathletics.com/Sports/general/2005/Recreation%20&%20Fitness.asp