When Capitol’s bookstore went virtual in the fall of 2007, students and campus leaders alike debated the future of the empty space left in the student lounge. Thanks to a recent survey sent to students, the answer was overwhelming, and now a new fitness center will be a hot spot on campus.
Students have been requesting a gym persistently within the past year, reflected by their communication during student town hall events. A shrinking budget and the recession, however, put those plans on hold until the beginning of the fall 2009 semester.
The development of the fitness center is an endeavor spearheaded by Beyan Johnson, a senior computer engineering major working on campus as the intramural and recreational sports coordinator, with the help of Nina Acree, Fit Club president, and the members of the Fit Club. Johnson and his peers will also facilitate a naming process for the space within the next year.
“The fitness center is long awaited and much needed,” says Johnson. “I am glad to be working on this project and hope the students enjoy the finished product.”
Capitol’s partner gym, World Gym of Laurel, already provides discounts to students, and is now working with the Office of Student Life to donate slightly used equipment to the new facility. Four areas will comprise the new center; a cardio area including elliptical machines, treadmills, and bicycles, a stretching and abdominals area, a weight training area with machines that target different muscle groups, and a free weights area.
As of late January, the fitness center is now in the final stages of renovation, and is on track to be opened during the middle of the spring semester. Access to the gym is free to current students, based on current capacity limits and a limited hourly schedule. As the gym evolves and grows, the Office of Student Life hopes to allow faculty and staff and alumni full access to the facility.
Travis T. Anderson, Director of Student Life and Residential Services, says “This gym is a big step forward in addressing the needs of our students. Capitol is constantly striving to provide our students with quality activities, facilities, and services.”