SRSC, HPER replace work-out equipment

With treadmills, exercise bikes and strength machines being used constantly during the year, the IU Division of Recreational Sports has been hard at work throughout the past year identifying and replacing outdated equipment. \nWhen equipment becomes too old, there are two options, said Chris Arvin, program director for fitness and wellness at the Division of Recreational Sports. In most cases a trade-in is arranged where the old equipment is exchanged for new equipment at a vendor. If a trade-in cannot be negotiated, the equipment will be reallocated to the University's capital assets redistribution system where it attempts to sell it to other IU campuses. \nThe high demand for facilities, like the Student Recreational Sports Center and Health, Physical Education and Recreation building make replacements necessary every year. \n"It's not unusual for us to see 18,000 to 20,000 miles put on a treadmill each year," Arvin said. \nWith such a high amount of use, treadmills last about three years and warranties are negotiated accordingly. Arvin said administrators do their best to plan changes ahead of time in order to limit the influx of equipment. \nHe said weight machines last at least five years and free weights are expected to last 10. Last year all dumbbells were replaced at the SRSC because they had been there since the inception of the facility in 1995. Comprehensive surveys are done once a year at the SRSC and HPER to address the concerns and workout habits of participants to see what equipment will be a priority. \nIn recent years participants have asked for more cardiovascular equipment. Nineteen treadmills currently line the main conditioning room upstairs at the SRSC, while three years ago, there were only about 10. At the HPER, which also has a demand for more cardiovascular equipment, there is a unique problem. The old building is limited in its electrical power supply, so treadmills and other equipment requiring plugs are restricted. \nWhile the SRSC is bigger and is open longer than the HPER, which houses classes daily, the HPER still attracts many people. \n"There have been people here who have been working out for decades," Arvin said of HPER visitors. \nSenior Lauren Weber said she uses both facilities and pointed out that the SRSC has machines she enjoys, but the environment at the HPER is more attractive to her.\n"I prefer working out at HPER because it is smaller," she said. "The size definitely makes a difference for me." \nSophomore Aimee Burkert said she takes advantage of the SRSC six times a week doing cardiovascular and weight training. She said the SRSC has always been more conveniently located. \nThe Division of Recreational Sports provides sports and fitness services for IU students, faculty, staff and the public. Students pay for the services the program offers with a $42.58 per semester fee. Of that amount, $2.41 is allotted specifically for equipment replacement. \n"Compare that to a place like the YMCA or Cardinal Fitness, which is known as a discount fitness operation, it's a heck of a bargain," Arvin said. "We do our best to proactively anticipate when our equipment might be approaching the end of its useful lifespan and thus develop priorities for replacement each year"