By Courtney Walsh
After a year of construction the Hofstra Fitness Center opened its doors once more to students on January 26. Over 100 students waited outside the newly renovated structure, eager to examine its enhancements and participate in the day’s celebrations.
“The whole atmosphere is different now,” said senior Joe Aquilino, who has been working at the Hofstra Fitness Center for the past four years.
Since its grand opening in 1989 the Fitness Center’s basic layout has undergone little to no changes.
“It was definitely in need of an upgrade,” said Aquilino.
The “upgrade” included the addition of three new studios dedicated exclusively to spinning, aerobics and yoga; the resurfacing of the indoor track; and the expansion of the weight room, a section of which is dedicated to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) approved accessibility.
“We’ve gotten a huge response from the student body,” said the Assistant Director of Recreation and Intramural Sports Caitlyn Kennedy, a Hofstra graduate and current Hofstra grad student.
“We tried to provide the most classes possible, but sometimes they get so full we have to turn people away,” said Kennedy. “We plan on continuing the classes through the semester, and hopefully add more in the fall.”
With the addition of the three studios, the number classes offered by the Fitness Center has increased, but can 28 classes support Hofstra’s 12,000 students?
“I got here at 7:15 for the 7:30 class and it was already full!” said sophomore Kira Kazanstev, who planned to wait an additional hour for the next spin class at 8:30.
“There either need to be more classes or bigger classes,” said Kazanstev. “It’s not fair if you’re marketing this class to a school of– how many thousands of kids? And you can only support so many.”
However according to Kennedy there have been no complaints thus far.
“Everyone seems very happy, and while we still have some final touches to add before the celebration on the 16th, there haven’t been any real problems,” said Kennedy.
Martin Gatua, a senior at Hofstra, agreed with Kennedy.
“It’s definitely a lot more crowded, but it’ll only last for the first few weeks. Eventually it’s going to slow down again,” said Gatua.
In Hofstra tradition the Fitness Center will officially celebrate its completion and grand opening on February 16. The festivities will commence at 5:00 p.m. and conclude at 11:00 p.m. Students will be welcomed by Vice President for Student Affairs, Sandra Johnson, and Director of Recreation and Intramural Sports, Pat Montagano. The evening will consist of multiple giveaways, a shoot-out contest with Men’s Varsity Basketball, exhibitions by the cheer and dance teams, a dodge ball tournament, and classes in the three new group exercise rooms. Trainers will also be on hand to offer instructive introductions to all of the Fitness Center’s new equipment. Students will also be given the opportunity to consult nutritionists.
(Laura Molinari/The Chronicle)
