In an ongoing effort to improve the campus' two workout facilities, the Rec Center and Rec Plex have received more exercise equipment.
Last year, the facilities focused on getting new cardio equipment. This time around, the facilities focused on updating their weight-training equipment.
Both facilities received new arch trainers, a form of an elliptical trainer. The Rec Plex got a second elliptical trainer, a Woodway treadmill and two pieces of selectorized weight equipment: a deltoid raise and a bi-angular lat/row, more commonly known as a rower.
"We are continuing to improve our weight rooms to try to meet the needs of the students," said Debbie Swanson, director of recreational sports at the Rec Center.
Funding for the equipment came from Senior Vice President Greg Kliebhan's office, according to Swanson.
The changes came as a response to students and alumni who were unsatisfied with the old equipment, according to John Kratzer, general manager at the Rec Plex.
"Some people felt like we weren't meeting some of the needs, and the university really stepped up to the plate with funding for the new equipment," Kratzer said.
Students have mixed reactions about whether or not the additional machines are sufficient.
"They should increase the number (of machines even more). It's getting busy," said Swati Argawal, a second-year graduate student in the College of Business while working out at the Rec Plex Wednesday afternoon.
The Rec Plex redesigned the layout of its equipment to make room for the new equipment and to improve accessibility, Kratzer said.
"I think the students are really going to be happy with both facilities and what we have to offer now," he said. The design "is more user-friendly."
The Rec Plex already had one arch trainer, but the machine's popularity caused many students to have to wait to use the machine, Kratzer said.
"We focus on what people are using and get more of those," Kratzer said.
Along with the new weight-training equipment, the Rec Center also received two new scoreboards for its gym. The old scoreboard had been there since the building was built.
The new scoreboards "are really going to help our intramural games," Swanson said. "It will also help our summer camps."
The Rec Center is also celebrating its 30th anniversary this month. It was built Jan. 15, 1975.
In light of the celebration, the Rec Center will turn back the clock on prices for guest fees and court fees, Jan. 28. Prizes will be given away in drawings. Students can submit their names the week before the drawing.
This article appeared in The Marquette Tribune on Jan. 20 2005.