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Rec Center thanks Student Association for gift

April 20, 2012

NIU students have shiny and new workout equipment at the Recreation Center thanks to a $100,000 donation from the university’s Student Association.

The new cardio machines, barbells and boxing equipment, more than 50 pieces in all, replace equipment that was installed more than a dozen years ago, said David Lochbaum, associate director of Facilities Operation.

“The weight equipment has a seven-to-ten year lifecycle,” Lochbaum said. “Ideally, it should be replaced every five years.”

SA President Elliot Echols cuts the ribbon to a Rec Center fitness room as Senate Speaker Austin Quick looks on.

SA President Elliot Echols cuts the ribbon to a Rec Center fitness room as Senate Speaker Austin Quick looks on.

With continual use, machines lose their balance, straps fray and break, and the equipment become less effective.

To show their appreciation, Rec Center employees hosted a reception along with a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week. Some of the equipment was placed inside two racquetball courts that have been converted to work-out rooms. Other pieces were placed in the center’s general workout area.

“This was a long time coming,” said Austin Quick, speaker of NIU’s Student Senate. “(The Student Association) wanted to pay back students who go to school here. We saw the need for this center to be better.”

NIU students and their health will not only benefit from the new equipment, but their grades and overall campus experience will improve as well, said Sandi Carlisle, director of Campus Recreation.

Studies have shown that recreation contributes to students’ academic success, Carlisle said. That’s no secret to Huskies; in the last 10 years, more students have been using the center for team sports or individual exercise routines.

The new equipment, which Recreational Services could not afford to buy itself, was welcomed with open arms.

The new machines and boxing equipment include:

  • Three Stairmaster Free Climber machines.
  • Five Lifecycle recumbent bicycles.
  • A Cybex leg press.
  • A Hammer shoulder press.
  • Two punching bags.
  • A kick bag.
  • An assortment of barbell weights that range in weight from five to 110 pounds.

by Gerard Dziuba