A typical Thursday night in the Rec Plex weight room is a male-dominated affair. The tables turned, however, when the Rec Plex weight room threw its inaugural Ladies’ Night, on Sept. 11.
Ladies’ Night is designed to give female students the chance to lift weights without the presence of the opposite sex. The night will now run every Thursday from 6:30-8p.m.
“One of the biggest trends in the fitness industry right now is for female oriented health clubs and classes,” said Paul Cantrell, assistant director of the Rec Plex. Cantrell attended the annual National Intramural Recreation Sports Association Conference this year and found that female oriented gym times were a major topic around the country.
Also, in a survey given to students last year, females voiced the most concerns regarding these issues.
On a typical night, Rec Plex employees estimated there would be at most three females in the weight room at any given time.
“I think it’s a great idea because most girls are either too shy or too embarrassed to lift with the guys,” said Deanna DiPaola, ’05. “Once females know about it, they definitely will make an effort to go since they don’t have to be embarrassed.”
On the other hand, Ladies’ Night is “completely unnecessary. I never get a negative vibe from males,” according to Drake. “If anything, it encourages me. When it’s really crowded you get motivated by everyone else there. Most people keep to themselves anyway… you’re there for yourself, not other people,” she said.
However, Drake did give credit to the idea of Ladies’ Night. “It’s a considerate idea for those girls that are in fact intimidated,” she said.
Some males were skeptical of the new program.
“I bet this is what will happen: the first week, 20 of the feminists will go, then after two weeks, maybe two or three masculine girls will go,” said Kyle Mascarenas, ’06.
Cantrell said Ladies’ Night was created to be ” a very positive experience.” “It’s designed to get more females feeling comfortable in the weight room, developing better techniques, and instilling more confidence in them so they will go lift at other times too,” he said. “Our ultimate goal is to not have to run it all.”
If Ladies’ Night turns out to be a success, the Rec Plex may add an additional night as well.
Some students are enthusiastic about the new program.
“I think it’s a good opportunity for girls who weight lift to have a chance of not being intimidated by guys,” said Tara Chapell, ’04.
Ladies’ Night takes place at slightly off-peak hours. The weight room is open 100 hours per week, and Ladies’ Night takes up an hour and half of this time.
Mark Spellman, Fairfield’s Strength and Conditioning Coordinator for Athletics, will be moderating the sessions. Spellman is on hand to help with questions that females could have about strength training.
Some female students feel the presence of a trainer diminishes a woman’s self-worth.
Maressa Drake cited the presence of a trainer as making her feel “inferior.” “There’s no trainer there for guys, why would we need one?” she said.
However, Michaela Chatel, ’05 said, “I feel like it’s great that the Rec Plex is finally giving girls a chance to have a private workout time and to also to have a trainer there to help with any questions.”
“At the same time, girls who really want to work out shouldn’t feel intimidated to go down to the weight room while guys are there any other day of the week,” she said.
Cantrell said most females who lift weights are “very knowledgeable.”
However, Angela Gentile’05, who works out in the weight room regularly, said she thinks the concept is “ridiculous.”
“The girls who come here already want to be here. This is not a playhouse, it’s a weight room. If you are serious then great, but most of the girls do a couple of sets with five pound weights, and then go to the bar and down a pitcher of beer. Stay home if you can’t hang,” she said.
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