New weight room open for 'the busy academic year'

After 10 months ,the University of Arizona Department of Campus Recreation opened a $625,000 weight room expansion, built to alleviate overcrowding in the gym.

"The new weight room is ready to take on the busy academic year," said Susan Benner-Hughes, assistant director of Campus Recreation for Fitness. "I wish we could have had the newly expanded weight room open sooner, but thanks to everyone for their patienc e and cooperation."

The expansion, which brings the total square footage of the weight room to over 11,000, was scheduled to be completed in March, but was delayed until June 18 due to moisture problems, which had an unexpected effect on the floor, Benner-Hughes said.

Despite the delays, Student Recreation Center employees are pleased with the new facility.

"I feel the new equipment and arrangement of the weight room is going to be more effective for recreation members," said Benner-Hughes.

The expansion of the weight room should eliminate the problems caused by not having enough space or equipment to accommodate the needs of all recreation center members, she said.

"I think the new addition will limit waiting for machines and the lines that have been a problem in the past," said Angie Fetcho, a weight room supervisor.

"I am pleased with the turnout and really like the set-up of the new room," she said.

The new room's purpose has yet to be determined, but for now the room has no music and is geared toward circuit training programs and houses the personal trainers' offices, Benner-Hughes said.

The new weight room has been equipped with $100,000 of the most advanced aerobic and anaerobic machines available, including hammer strength equipment, Cybex Muscle machines and Concept II indoor rowers, Benner-Hughes said.

The Pre-Cor Elliptical Fitness Cross-trainer, which combines exercise movement of a Nordic Trac, Treadmill, and Stairclimber, provides a non-impact workout for the entire leg area, Benner-Hughes said.

In addition, she said the all-in-one cross-training machine create an aerobic activity that works the heart and lungs.

Julie Passey, an education junior, said she liked the new cross-trainer because the workout was hard, but she did not feel overly tired.

Rec Center weight room staff have also tested the new machines and had similar reactions.

"I really like the new Pre-Cor machine - it is easier on your knees and you don't get as tired," said Brenda Holler, a weight room staff member.

Benner-Hughes said the new area will also be used for personal training. The trainers are available to all students and are matched to people based on their personal needs.

"The job of these personal trainers is to motivate and make sure the technique is correct in an individual's workout," Benner-Hughes said.

"Personal trainers are also there to expand your current exercise routine seeing that you are taking full advantage of the exercise equipment," she said.

The expansion was funded by a Rec Center long-term maintenance account established for renovations and repairs when the center opened in 1990.