“OUT OF ORDER” is starting to become a common message found on treadmills and ellipticals at the RecPlex.
There are plenty of other machines to use, but, for many people, running on treadmills is the preferred way to get that cardio out of the way. They’re easy to use and a great way to blow off some steam after a long day.
However, there are usually a few machines that always seem to be out of order at the RecPlex.
One day, a few will be dead and on the next, they’ll be up and running. One may see as many as three treadmills out of order as there are typically between one and three machines out of order at all times.
So what is going on?
Director of the Department of Recreation ‘ Aquatics Philip Palumbo gave insight into the problem.
According to Palumbo, one issue stems with electronics. There are many electrical components that make a treadmill complete tasks ranging from facilitating power supply to displaying information to the user through the display. Everything is integrated, meaning that even if only one part breaks or burns out, the entire set of hardware must be replaced.
To save money the RecPlex orders the replacements under warranty, which takes longer since the company sends the components at their own pace.
Another problem comes about as a result of runners’ dirty sneakers. That’s right – the ones who use the treadmills are also adding to the issue.
“Most students use their rooms in the residence halls as their locker rooms, then walk over here and bring dirt into the machines,” said Palumbo.
As more and more people use the treadmills, the dirt builds up and causes blockages either on the belt or at the key points that move it along. Overall, this causes mechanical issues inside the equipment.
Palumbo stressed the fact that these machines are like cars in that they require constant maintenance.
In addition to the daily cleaning of the treadmills, technicians come to the RecPlex several times a month to make necessary adjustments.
The machines at the RecPlex are under heavy usage during these times.
“The mileage that accumulates on these machines each day is incredible,” said Palumbo. “With the staggering numbers of people that use the equipment at the RecPlex, it’s no wonder that these problems come up so frequently.”
People are going to have to deal with the growing wait times during peak hours but students understand the issue.
“[The wait] is a little inconvenient, but there’s enough to do here while waiting,” said Lauren O’Hara ’09.
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