Charge your iPod, grab the new issue of People magazine and lace up your sneakers. With recent RecPlex improvements, the gym is the new hot spot.

The addition of three elliptical machines has increased the gym’s total number of athletic equipment from 44 to 47.

The eight treadmills facing the windows have been replaced. According to RecPlex Director Phil Palumbo, new machinery is added whenever there is available space in the cardio rooms.

“It is the policy of the Department of Recreation to attempt to replace equipment as their warranties expire,” said Palumbo, regarding the new treadmills.

In response to student requests, four televisions were recently added and are visible from the elliptical machines.

There are a number of stationary bikes in the back cardio room, providing students with a variety of exercise options.

“The desire to add TVs to the cardio areas elicited the greatest response in last year’s FUSA survey. We knew this from past surveys but were unable to do anything at the time for technical reasons,” said Palumbo.

Students have complained about the absence of televisions in the RecPlex, arguing that most gyms have forms of entertainment available.

“My gym at home has TVs, and I feel like gyms at other schools have much more to offer,” said Ali Fell ’08.

Most students agree that TVs are necessary in front of the treadmills, yet the windows stand in the way.

“I was waiting for the RecPlex to get TVs for so long, but I use the treadmills and the TVs are in the other room,” said Karla Wei ’08, who wishes the TVs were available to all those working out.

Those who use the bikes and elliptical machines are grateful with their addition.

“The TVs were a necessary addition, my workout goes faster now and the gym is not as boring so I want to workout more,” said Morgan Donahue ’08.

Most students are pleased with the recent RecPlex improvements. Yet, students suggest that the gym could be improved in other ways.

“It is uncomfortable sometimes to work out, fans would make a huge difference,” said Kristine MacKenzie ’08.

RecPlex coordinators continue to evaluate the programming to assess where additions could be made, said Palumbo, who did not share any specific future plans.

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