The Recreation Center at California Baptist University put up “We’re sorry for our dust” signs over the summer and began a long-awaited expansion. The Rec Center is adding diversified gym equipment and creating more space to work out.
The first phase has already begun and has completed the addition of some redesigned spaces and new pieces of equipment.
The space where a rock climbing wall once stood is now a circuit training area with nine treadmills, along with various plate-weight machines organized according to what area of the body the workouts target.
“It was not an easy decision to remove the wall,” Plummer said. “As we considered the square footage we needed and the parameters with which we could work, a decision was made to modify our existing footprint to best serve as many students as we could.”
Additionally, the Recreation Center also has a new 180-tire flip machine, which simulates flipping a tire, and a Skill Mill self-powered treadmill, which allows for sled pushing and running at a more controlled pace. Six new rowing machines also have been installed. These machines allow the user to do heavier, weighted rows or lighter rows that focus more on cardio.
The center will soon install six new Olympic half-racks, featuring Olympic bars with bumper plates, along with new rope machines.
The gym expanded its floor space by removing the former employee break room on the first floor and adding another set of benches and dumbbells. The new weight racks have dumbbells up to 120 pounds.
These new areas also keep congestion down in the free-weight area because participants have more room to spread out.
Nick Cortz, junior English major, said he likes the new spaces and the freedom it gives him to work out whenever he wants to without having to wait for machines.
“I like the extra space, especially since there is now room for me to get in a full, functional workout,” Cortez said.
These upgrades are not the end of the expansion project. On the second floor, the center will feature a fitness suite with ab machines, mats and a Life Fitness Synergy 360 XL.
Joe Fix, fitness coordinator of the Recreation Center, said Synergy 360 will be an impressive piece of equipment.
“The Synergy 360 is a dynamic jungle gym on which you can do a variety of exercises,” Fix said. “You have monkey bars, boxing battle-rope, a land mine dip bar, TRX and everything you could want on it.”
The center will also feature three new group exercise rooms, and an improved basketball and volleyball court, Plummer said.
Additionally, two new rooms will be added to the second story in the Recreation Center. One of them will be a cycle room and the other will feature boxing equipment, TRX and battle-rope.
Parker Schnetzler, junior biology major, said he is excited to see the Recreation Center introduce more equipment and to have more space to work out.
“I am looking forward to the more open space and the fact that the gym won’t be as crowded,” Schetzler said. “I am also looking forward to trying out the new equipment to take my workout to the next level.”
The staff of the Recreation Center asks that students be patient as the space undergoes these renovations, but Plummer said she expects the changes to be beneficial and worth the wait.
“We are excited to serve the students and will always provide an excellent service and quality programs to meet CBU’s needs” Plummer said. “As we grow, there is a need to expand to meet the needs of the many students who use recreation programs and services. We ask that the students be patient.”
With more space and equipment, students can expect diversified workouts and a better workout experience at the Recreation Center. The upgrades are set to be completed by August 2019.
