Students weigh in on new fitness room

By David Flores

Ask any Hesston athlete and they’ll tell you about the old Hesston College weight room. It was in really bad condition: The air conditioning didn’t work, some of the weights were getting rusty and old. There were not enough bench presses, they didn’t have a lot of track mills and other equipment. Also, you couldn’t enter when you felt like it, because you had to be there at the same time as a coach or staff member. On top of that, you couldn’t go the weight room if you weren’t an athlete.

Students working out in new weight facility in Yost Center. Photo by David Flores Cano

Robert Salcedo, a sophomore baseball player, said the old weight room needed to be modernized. The paint on the walls was fading away. The whole room felt depressing.

“It was really small,” he said,“They didn’t have enough weights or racks. Also most of the stuff was old and were not a lot of supplies: for example, a treadmill.” 

The backup plan was the Wellness Center weight room, but students had to drive or walk several blocks just to work out. 

Hesston College heard those complaints and felt the need to give something better to the students. Students were happy when they heard Hesston would build a weight room in Yost Center. Jenna Garcia, a former athlete, says the new weight room doesn’t have as many machines as the Wellness Center, but students can work with it. She likes the multifunctional machine and the added turf area.

“I enjoy the new weight room and having a gym on campus that everyone can use,” she said.  

Chandler Blanchard, a student who prioritizes fitness, says the space is too limited. There is not much equipment for leg strengthening.

“I don’t like that it’s all free weights,” he said. “There are a lot of workouts that you can do on machines that you can’t do as easy with free weights.” 

Overall, Blanchard is happy with the change, though. 

“In my opinion, it is a good weight room for the size of the college,” he said. “What many people are complaining about now is the hours. Many students work out late and the weight room closes at 10 p.m. That’s for sure something they need to work on.”  

Another downside to the change: Students’ Wellness Center benefit will conclude this semester. They can continue to use the Wellness Center if they pay a $50 per month membership.

Rachel Miller, a sophomore non-athlete, is happy with the new weight room.

“I like how it was set up,” she said. “There is a lot of equipment that is multiple use.” 

Weight/Fitness Room Hours of Operation:

– Monday through Friday: 3-10 p.m. 

– Monday through Friday Athletic Team Priority: 4-6 p.m. (Athletes working out as a team have priority for equipment.)

– Saturday/Sunday: Open 1-5 p.m.

 

 

 

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