Exercize buffs flock to Fieldhouse: $163,000 of new equipment fill renovated floors
The Nelson Fieldhouse Fitness Center reopened Monday with an increase in floor area and new equipment for student and faculty use.
With 41 new aerobic machines and 22 Hammerstrength Weight Machines, students will not spend as much time waiting to use a machine as compared to last year, said Christy Taggart, an employee at the Fieldhouse and a sophomore majoring in exercise science.
The free weights have been moved to the top floor next to the aerobic machines.
“I like having all the equipment together. I used to spend a lot of time downstairs and then I would have to come up and I couldn’t get a machine,” said Dustin Hunter, an undeclared junior.
The old free weight room now houses the eight billiard tables formerly found in the Taggart Student Center. Pool table use is free, as opposed to last year’s fee of $3 per hour.
The price is covered in students fees because the tables are now located in the Fieldhouse, said Ryan Allred, a Fieldhouse employee and junior majoring in pre-health.
“I never went over to the TSC because it was too much of a hassle. Now after I workout, if I want to get in a game of pool, I can,” Allred said.
The top floor expanded nearly 23 feet, said Scott Wamsley, assistant director of campus recreation. A new air conditioning system has also been installed upstairs, he said.
The allowance of married student spouses to use the facility is new this year as well.
Last year, it was too crowded to let couples use the building, said Juan Franco, vice president of Student Services.
Married couples need to purchase a spouse card, available in the card office for $36.50 in order to use the Fieldhouse and attend other school events, Franco said.
“For the past 10 years, students have wanted an expanded and improved fitness center,” said Associated Students of Utah State University President Less Essig. “This is a step in the right direction. Keeping students healthy shows that we really do put academics first.”
The new aerobic equipment cost $163,000 and includes 15 treadmills, 14 elliptical cycles, eight spinning machines and four recumbent bicycles.
The new machines are top-of-the-line according to fitness magazines, Wamsley said.
“We are delighted to be able to do this for students,” Franco said. “I hope that in the future we can do even more.”
Over Christmas Break, holes made during construction will be repaired, Allred said.
Monday was not a busy day, but many people do not know the Fieldhouse is open, said Kelly Wolff, a Fieldhouse employee and senior majoring in Elementary Ed.
“I think that it will get extremely busy, especially when it gets colder,” Wolff said.
The new area is filled with workout equipment.
“I think all the new equipment is awesome,” said Stacy Hata, an undeclared business sophomore. “It’s pretty clustered, but still really nice.”
To help with the congestion, one stairwell will be for individuals entering the area and one for exiting.
One remaining project is painting the outside of the south extension.
“We are thinking about painting ‘Fitness Center’ or maybe a picture of a bull. We are still looking for ideas,” Wamsley said.
Many students were excited to see the Fieldhouse reopen.
“I like the Fieldhouse more than the HPER, there are more free weights. I also like how you can look out at the courts,” Chris Hammond, an undeclared freshman, said.
The Fieldhouse is open 6 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Thrusday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, and closed Sunday.
-ashschiller@cc.usu.edu