PVCC Fitness Center expands, adds equipment

With the expansion and new equipment that has been provided, usage has increased and fitness is a hot topic. No matter how one desires to exercise, PVCC’s new and improved fitness center can help.

“The fitness center allows one to work on selector zed machines for weight training as well as free weights,” said Assistant Professor of Physical Education, Steve McNerney. “The weight room is spacious and most user friendly. The newest purchase is a Functional Trainer, which allows the user to work every body part simply by sliding the pulleys into various positions. The cardio room is also magnificent as it houses a step mill, stair master, cross trainers, adaptive motion trainers and six treadmills, recumbent bikes and spinners.”

Students are happy with the improvements and are thrilled to have this new space to do their work-out. “The [fitness center] is now this big room with lots of awesome machines to help you work-out,” said PVCC student Eddie Harrison. “The elliptical machines are the best in my opinion.”

Another Piedmont student, Jessica Nelms said, “I am more inclined to use the fitness center…I think the added space is the best improvement. Before, the room was so small and there were about 30 people in a classroom and it was just too cramped.”

PVCC’s new and improved fitness center is getting many more participants and along with the expanded space, expanded work-out classes. The right to use the fitness center is included in a student’s activity fees, and “users need to sign a waiver and sign in when they come [to the center]. They have a list of hours posted and a flyer [for hours] that they can pick up,” said Instructor of Physical Education, BJ Santos. “Steve even has videos like the ‘P90X’ and the ‘Insanity’ work-out videos. Those who sign up can…get a great work-out without having to purchase it.”

According to Vice President of Academic Affairs, John Donnelly, “We were pleased to be able to expand the fitness center to meet the needs of our students, faculty and staff. We heard loud and clear from students that the previous space was too small for the number of individuals wanting to use it. With the new space, we are able to accommodate those who want to exercise individually as well as providing separate space for physical education classes. Initial feedback from students, faculty and staff has been positive. The new fitness center provides a new, expanded and dynamic exercise environment for the PVCC community.”

Those who wish to participate in the usage of this facility can stop by room 173 in the main building and fill out the needed forms. For hours and more information, contact Steve McNerney at smcnerney@pvcc.edu or visit pvcc.edu/student_life/fitness_sports.php.

BRANDON ESTES
FORUM STAFF WRITER