Moravian College Fitness Center: Insider Edition!

This week, I was lucky enough to get the down low on what is really going on inside the new Fitness Center being built by J.G. Petrucci, Inc. here at Moravian College.

I can't think of a time when I've been more excited about fitness than I am right now. It is going to be INCREDIBLE.


But, for nearly 3.3 million dollars, it had better be pretty damn awesome.

Bob Ward, the head athletic trainer, and Regina Gower, head of planning and construction, walked me through the construction site.  First, we stopped to look at the animated images of what the Fitness and Performance Center layouts will look like.  The architect for this project is Cerminera Architect and in my opinion, this is a job very well done!
 

The Fitness Center

The Performance Center

I absolutely cannot wait to see the finished product, but I'm going to try and take your mind through an imaginary tour of the future Fitness Center.

Basically, the room is a mere shell of what the Fitness Center is going to be.  From the outside, students can already see the incredibly large windows that line the entire room.  From the inside looking out, it is even more gorgeous.  So, imagine this with me...as you enter the room:

• Cubbies! Once you walk into the new Fitness Center, there will be wall full of cubbies on the right side to place your belongings in.
• Front Desk.  That's right! There will be an entire front desk and office with students and staff to help answer any and all questions. 
• Swipe Entry.  How 21st century, Moravian! That's right, you'll have to swipe into our new gym.
• Aerobic Equipment. When I imagine the nearly 40 assorted pieces of equipment that will be facing the windows, ranging from treadmills and ellipticals, to bikes and summit climbers...I feel a small butterfly flicker in my stomach. Did I mention how excited I am?
• Televisions. BIG ONES. Six 55" screens will be placed between each front facing window for your viewing pleasure. PLUS, while you're on the aerobic equipment, you'll be able to plug your headphones into the machines and hear whichever TV you'd like!  So, this will be the perfect opportunity to go to the gym while your favorite show is on and get a workout while you're watching!
• Handi-capable Equipment. There will also be multiple pieces of equipment available for those in wheel chairs!
• Circuit Machines.  There will be two rows of machines for every part of the body, which is clearly pictured above, right next to the office and before the Cardio equipment. This will provide for a quick workout, with all of the machines you need right in one place! It'll feature lower body machines on one side, such as the:
• • Seated leg curl machine
  • Adduction and abduction machines
  • Glute Pushback machine

          And, upper body machines on the other side, such as the: 

• Pectoral Fly machine 
• Chest Press machine 
• Tricep Extension machine

• Core Equipment.  Closest to the wall facing down into the field house, there will be various machines and mats to complete your abdominal exercises.  This will feature machines like the Ab Crunch Bench, mats and exercise balls. Now, everyone at Moravian College is going to look like Matthew McConaughey...I hope. 
• TRX! This is a top of the line system featuring ropes and resistance bands to hone muscles that are rarely used.  This is personally one of the MOST exciting pieces of equipment.
• Dumbbells. In the back left corner of the gym, there will be a wall of mirrors, with dumbbells and benches in front of it.  
• Bench Press. Directly behind the dumbbells will be the flat, incline and decline bench press stations.
• Squat Rack. To the left of the dumbbells will be a single squat rack. FINALLY. 
• Smith Machine. To the right of the dumbbells and bench press stations will be a smith machine with an adjustable chair for various positions.
• Upper Body station. Close to the center of the room, between the cardio machines and the bench station, will be a circular arrangement of a chest press, shoulder press, pull down and row machine in case these machines are taken in the circuit section.
• Lower Body.  There will also be a linear leg press machine near the squat rack for your lower body workout.
• Cable Machine.  Near the front facing windows, between the benches and cardio equipment, will be a pulley machine similar to the machine found in the current gym.

Extras:

• Management! Moravian College has hired a Fitness Director who will have his office in the new Fitness Center.  He is a strength training coach, and will be there for any questions or concerns during almost every hour the gym is open.
• Lutron Quantum.  This machine will be on the ceiling, providing a smart-machine type accommodation. This machine will be able to tell where the sun is, how much heat it is pushing into the room and also how much light it is providing.  Based on these statistics, the Lutron Quantum will adjust the shades, lights and heating/cooling system inside the gym!  The Lutron Quantum not only saves money, but it is extremely environmentally friendly.

So, what about the old gym? Well, that's going to become the Performance Center.

• Plyometrics Area. A majority of the left side of the room will be empty for "Dynamic/Warm-Up/Core space.  It will include more exercise balls, battle ropes and balance boards. 
• More Dumbbells. Another brand new set of dumbbells and benches will be in the old gym where they are placed now. 
• Olympic Sized Platforms.  There will be four Olympic sized platforms in the center of the room that are 6x8 feet.  This can be used for deadlifts, power-ups, power-cleans and so on.
• Hammer Strength Power Racks.  There will be six new Hammer Strength heavy duty power racks available, near the windows facing down into the field house.
• Various Equipment. There will be only four pieces of cardio equipment, that will be placed where the Ab mats are, now. There will also be a few machines such as the glute/ham machine where the cardio equipment currently is.

If you ask me, this set up is exactly what Moravian students need!  Many students are scared of being in the small atmosphere of the current gym - but now, there will be MORE than enough room.  Also, if you're not a fan of those loud mouth meat-heads, do not fear! They will probably be located in the Performance Center, so there will be limited interaction.

It is going to be open for use by students in Spring of 2012!

What are you most excited for?

XOXO,

Ms. Wisely