By Mercy Lamola
The University of Calgary Fitness Centre celebrated its grand opening Sept. 14. Staff members were on hand to point out all the new additions.
The renovations to the fitness centre, which began in mid-May, were finished this month, and boast new equipment, new programs and lots of room.
The main floor was increased from 7,000 to 10,500 square feet. The second-floor track area received another 1,300 square feet thanks to the renovations. All the new space allowed for more machines and an attractive new floor arrangement.
In the new cardio theatre, a total of 12 machines were added and televisions have been set up.
“It’s like an army of cardio,” said an undergrad student. “The fitness centre has definitely improved. I like that you don’t have to wait anymore.”
The weight training area added more free weights and weight machines. The new stretching and ab area offers 400 square feet, with balancing and core conditioning equipment.
The second floor will host the spin classes and the fitness and rehabilitation programs.
Doors have been added throughout the Fitness Centre so that the whole area won’t have to be shut down if the Jack Simpson Gymnasium is being used for a special occasion. There is a new card swiping system for entry into the fitness area which helps staff keep track of numbers. Shoe wallets are available for people who prefer not to carry their cards with them. There is no longer a sign up sheet for the cardio machines, but workouts will be limited during heavy traffic hours.
“The feedback has been very positive,” said one staff member. “All the renovations allow us to accommodate more people and offer more services.”
The U of C Fitness Centre offers memberships, volunteer opportunities and free classes. For more info, call Caroline Bedford at Kinesiology Client Services (220-7464), or pick up a copy of Go Active, the Campus Recreation magazine.