Fitness center users sweat in style
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Matthew Brzycki (l) adjusts
controls on stationary bicycle.
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The new Stephens Fitness Center, located in Dillon Gym, opened its doors to faculty, staff and students on January 31.
It replaces -- in style -- the former fitness center, which closed for renovation last summer.
The reaction of the assembled cyclists, weight lifters and stair climbers ranged from enthusiastic to wildly enthusiastic. Said Carolyn Hoeschele, web specialist for CIT, as she pedaled vigorously on a new stationary cycle, "This place is really cool!" Sam Rosenberg '03, doing some impressive stretches, concurred: "This is great. So much better than the old fitness room -- all new equipment."
The bright and spacious two-level facility does boast state-of-the art fitness equipment, according to Matthew Brzycki, coordinator of health fitness, strength and conditioning programs for the Department of Athletics.
Donated by Mr. and Mrs. Paul Stephens and their son Bart '97, the center offers among its new "cardio" purchases: four treadmills, seven Stairmasters, 10 upright cycles, four recumbent cycles, two AirDyne upright cycles, three FreeRunner ellipticals and four elliptical fitness cross trainers. "This brings our total inventory to 52 pieces of cardiovascular equipment," says Brzycki.
In addition, Brzycki said, there are 22 new pieces from Nautilus, Body Masters and Cybex, bringing the center's total to 29. Professor of History Robert Tignor pronounced the new Nautilus machine he was using "superb."
And for those who prefer working with free weights rather than working against resistance, Brzycki says there are "all new benches and bars, four plate-loaded machines, 20 fixed barbells (ranging from 20 to 115 lbs. in five-lb. increments), 64 pair of dumbbells and 5,840 lbs. of Iron Grip plates." Among the free-weight users was Rich Volz, foreman in the Paint Shop, who works out daily. He appreciates having "handles on the barbell plates. This equipment is much more up to date than what we had before."
Expansion to 8,000 sq.ft.
The new center, Brzycki points out, has expanded from its previous 5,000 square feet to more than 8,000 square feet. The increase was accomplished "by renovating the floor immediately below the fitness center and connecting the two levels via a roomy stairwell."
The Stephens Center is airconditioned, a boon to those who use the facility in the late spring and summer. Wall-to-wall carpeting adorns the upper level and wall-to-wall high density rubber flooring the lower level. There is a dedicated stretching area with a 12 by 15-foot mat and an innovative stretching machine. And for those who want to nourish their inner couch potato while working out, there will be an entertainment center with six television sets and a new sound system.
As you enter, there is a cheerful lounge with 72 open cubbies for storing personal items such as warmups and backpacks. All walls and ceilings have been painted, says Brzycki, "and an entryway added that is handicap-accessible." Floating from the high ceiling are giant orange and black banners celebrating the classes of 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003.
All this and extended hours too: Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 10:45 pm, Saturday 10:00 am to 6:45 pm, and Sunday noon to 10:45 pm. These hours represent an increase of about 40 percent, says Brzycki.
All in all, said Curator of Manuscripts Don Skemer, a fitness center regular, "They've done a great job."
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