The Rec Plex has gotten a makeover. In addition to adding new programs like Thursday’s Ladies Night in the weight room, intramural field hockey and Stag Splash, the Rec Plex has added new equipment.
The first changes this summer were made in the cardiovascular room on the first floor. Ten treadmills were traded in to make way for 14 new state of the art ones. All cross-training equipment has also been replaced. The oldest machines in the Rec Plex are the rowing machines, they have not been replaced because they are not used frequently.
The main emphasis will be placed on making changes in the weight room throughout the year. A delivery of a brand new set of dumbbells ranging in weight from five to 130 pounds is expected any day now.
Although pleased with the changes, students are still requesting improvements.
“It would also be nice to have nautilus machines … they are like present machines with a code and you put it in and the machine remembers your weights from the last time you worked out. It’s really neat, they have it at my gym.” said Caitlin Wagner ’06
The most important tool used by the directors of the Rec Plex are the student surveys mailed to campus boxes in the spring.
“The student surveys are utilized very much. We make all changes according to the surveys. Granted, if one person asks for one type of machine we can’t make it happen, but if 15 people want that machine, we make changes right away.” said Paul Cantrell, assistant director of recreation.
It was through surveys that field hockey and Stag Splash were added. It also gave rise to Ladies Night. The program takes place every Thursday night from 6:30 to 8 p.m. with strength and conditioning trainer Mark Spellman available to answer any questions.
“There is more to the Rec Plex than the cardio room,” said Spellman. Spellman said he hopes to educate women on the importance of strength training for the whole body. He said women sometimes concentrate on the abdominal region and reminded them that spot producing doesn’t work.
The program was not as well attended as hoped with only about 12 women present.
“We are not really concerned with numbers. It’s a great program that is needed. Even if we get one more female to attend, it will be well worth it,” said Cantrell.
New changes also affected intramurals this year. The tenis courts previously located near Dolan’s Navel were moved near the Walsh Athletic Center. Many students were unaware that the courts could be used from intramural use. The football field was also resurfaced with NFL quality material and since the university no longer has a varsity team, it can be used for intramural purposes.
Could new improvements in the Rec Plex indirectly cause a rise in tuition? Although the Rec Plex would not comment as the amount spent on changes, they did say it was “substantial.” If one were to calculate the amount spent on treadmills alone the university would have spent about $42,000.
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