Improved fitness room in works
Brandon Scott, Features Editor
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It was once filled with grace and beauty and soon it will be filled with sweaty bodies. The Henderson dance studio, after being moved to renovated Arkansas Hall, has now been transformed into the new Gill fitness room.
The room, named in honor of Earl Gill will host a new universal gym set, new dumbbells ranging from 10 pounds to 75 pounds and a lot more space to work out.
In addition to this new equipment, the old stuff will be moved into the new room. Ernie Higgs, director of the Garrison Center, is in charge of the new changes taking place with the fitness area.
"We hope to attract more students and staff to workout at Henderson," Higgs said. "Also, we have decided to purchase new equipment every other year."
Currently, there is no specific budget set aside for the Gill room, but when equipment is needed, it will be bought. Thus far, there has only been $8,100 spent for the room, which accounts for the new universal gym and dumbbell set.
Higgs said that in order to choose what equipment to buy, they would put together a student poll.
In addition to the physical changes, Jay Goodwin, director of university intramurals, has plans to incorporate a new fitness program. The program will consist of workout routines based on each individual's personal needs and wants.
"Fitness is becoming a very important aspect of lifestyles across America," Goodwin said, "I'm glad to see Henderson finally giving its students and staff the opportunity to make changes in their life."
Higgs sees the new modifications as fate.
"I originally had written a proposal for a completely new fitness room," he said. "Then, Arkansas Hall was finished and the dance company moved to their new location, opening up their old studio. This was the opportunity that we had waited for."
Instantly, he began looking for new equipment and began preparation for the new changes. The new fitness area is not completely finished yet, but Higgs hopes to soon be able to open it to the public.
The equipment was picked by students and appoved by administration. The Gill room will be available for students, alumni, faculty, staff and those with a guest pass.
The rules of the new room will be much like the old, but there will be a full-time work-study at the front door at all times. The hours will remain 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
"We are very excited," Higgs said, "and from the feedback we have received, the students and staff seem to have the same reactions. I think having a fitness room available will be extremely beneficial."