Lucy MooreAs Washington University continues to pour money into the construction of new dorms and other campus renovations, many students are criticizing the University’s failure to modernize workout facilities.
Freshman Barb Grigsby, a January Program Scholar, was surprised when she went to workout for the first time this semester.
“Wash. U. is such a beautiful campus,” said Grigsby. “Everything is pretty updated or in the process of getting updated, except for the workout facilities. The [Athletic Complex] and the South 40 gym are unorganized and the equipment is too close together. A lot of the machines are broken, too.”
For instance, while the AC elliptical room has sanitizing fluid for the machines, there are often no towels for courtesy cleaning between use.
Despite these conditions, students must pay a $30 fee every year to use the South 40 gym and a $40 fee to use the cardio room at the AC.
At many of Washington University’s peer institutions, students can access fitness centers for free. Emory University’s Woodruff Physical Education Center (WoodPec) opened in 1983 following a $20 million renovation. The WoodPec has since undergone additional renovations in 2004 and features a dance studio and indoor tennis courts.
In 2003, the University of Chicago opened the doors of the Gerald Ratner Athletics Center. The $51 million, 150,000 square foot fitness center boasts a swimming pool, competition gymnasiums, a dance room, a juice bar and saunas among other facilities. “It is ridiculous that other schools have nicer workout centers and they don’t charge students,” said Grigsby. “Wash. U. shouldn’t even charge students – it’s just not worth it.”
T.J. Shelton, assistant director of athletics, was quick to defend the workout facilities at the University.
“The athletic and recreation facilities at Wash. U. provide the overall campus community a location to maintain a healthy lifestyle,” said Shelton. “There are a variety of activities for just about everyone’s liking.”
Senior Russ Sims agreed with Shelton. Although Sims said that the facilities need to be updated, he believes “they have a good variety of different machines that target various muscle groups.”
Shelton also cited the success of University athletics as evidence that workout facilities are adequate.
“When you look at the overall success of the athletic programs, coaches and student athletes have done an excellent job using the resources made available to them. [They] make sure [the machines] are in the best condition possible to compete at a high level on a consistent basis,” said Shelton.
Shelton said that the University is always discussing ways to better serve students’ needs. One of these topics of discussion includes the need for larger workout facilities.
“There is no question our programs have grown and space has become a premium,” said Shelton. “The athletic department, with the support of the University, continues to discuss these issues and look for ways to accommodate all programs in the near future.”
Shelton said that students must understand that the University cannot replace equipment as frequently as other health clubs.
“Apparently there have been complaints about the recreation center being outdated,” said Shelton. “The fitness industry, on average, updates their equipment every six months. We currently have the appropriate equipment for the Wash. U. community to not only stay healthy, but to push their bodies beyond measure, if they choose to do so.”
Sophomore Ben Fox has already discussed joining an off-campus gym with friends.
“Unfortunately, I don’t have a car on campus,” Fox said. “But once I figure that out, I will join an off-campus in a heartbeat.”