Students spearhead NPAC improvements

The CSC Student Senate recommended an increase to student fees to pay for an expansion of the Nelson Physical Activity Center’s weight room, which was approved last year. Most of the construction occurred during summer 2009 with the improvements and new equipment implemented during the fall semester. The need for added exercise space became evident from user complaints in the busy facility.

“We outgrew the previous cardio room,” said Sarah Milner, NPAC coordinator. “It was the same size as a classroom.”

The new workout facility now houses a full complement of exercise equipment for both cardiovascular and weight training. In addition to the strength training equipment that was previously in the NPAC, a dozen weight machines have been added that are selectorized, meaning their level of resistance is adjusted by moving pins or levers.

The NPAC also has installed more than two dozen pieces of equipment for cardiovascular training, including treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bicycles and a rowing machine. Milner said the NPAC received a great turnout during orientation activities that were planned to familiarize users with the new equipment.

The improvements and equipment have been funded with a $2.90 per credit hour increase to the activity fee. Dale Grant, CSC vice president for administration, said $175,000 has been expended for the project so far.

In order to make room for the expansion, two of the NPAC’s five racquetball courts were converted for the new function. Milner noted that all five courts were rarely used simultaneously before the conversion and said she has heard no complaints since the change.

“Usage is up. More students, faculty, staff and community members are coming in,” she said. “We hear a lot of positive feedback about the equipment and the facility.”

Improvements at the NPAC also are making exercise more enjoyable from an entertainment perspective. The Cardio Theater system has been added to each piece of new cardio equipment. The feature allows users to connect any stereo headphone to the equipments’ wireless receivers, select a wall-mounted TV and adjust the volume. In addition, workout DVDs are available for check-out at the front desk. The addition of windows providing a view of Elliott Field also makes the space more inviting.

Milner encourages people to incorporate the NPAC to their fitness plans. In addition to the equipment, the NPAC’s intramural program offers a wide range of team and individual activities. People may still sign up for racquetball, which is in progress, and soccer and wiffleball will begin in coming weeks.

The NPAC is open to everyone. Individual memberships start at $15 per month with discounted family, senior citizen and annual rates. CSC students and employees may use the facility free of charge.