By Victoria Gladstone
Former Editor-in-Chief
The fitness center in Campus Town is getting an aesthetic make-over and more machines added to the cardio section — the first large revamp since opening almost 10 years ago.
Within the gym, all 12 treadmills have been replaced with better technology models, and two more were added to accommodate a higher demand. All wall paint has also been re-done, with more consideration for school colors and pride.
A new design layout for the cardio section has been created along with a broken chest press machine, according to David Ilaria, the fitness coordinator for recreation and wellness at the College.
Ilaria says the new equipment and changes to the space will allow for a safer and more appealing exercise environment.
While still in the early stages, the fitness center staff and other staff from the College are considering adding in new logos and branding to the gym space and on all of the machines. The branding would most likely be created through a partnership with a larger company to sponsor.
The sign-in desk at the lobby has also been replaced to become more functional, and has been relocated. With this, employees of the gym who work the front desk will have a better view of the entrance for safety purposes.
Gianna Sassi, who's been working at the gym for over a year, says she believes the new look will attract more students to a cleaner space.
“It’s very presentable, so I think that more people will be inclined to come to the gym more often,” said Sassi, a junior marketing major. “At first, the yellow [paint] was very bright for me, honestly, but I like how clean it is.”
Rachel Malick, another junior marketing major who works at the Campus Town gym, says she likes the more professional look for the gym but does not believe that the changes will have a significant impact on the fitness center.
Senior world languages and linguistics major Arianna Harley says she thinks the gym looks fresh and new, though she only cares about whether or not the machines work. After coming back from a year studying abroad in Japan, she said she noticed the newer technology in the treadmills.
There is not a set date for when all renovations will be completed, though the treadmill installation and the new wall painting is finished. Students of the College can expect to see more changes to the gym once decisions are finalized as to how the staff plans to decorate the space.
