Written by Kelly Ann Gemma
When entering a local gym, some people may be surprised to find it full of Harding students. Why would they come to a private gym when they have a weight room conveniently on campus?
Some Harding University students prefer to pay for a club membership at a local gym, rather than exercising in the Ganus Athletic Center, because of what they say are superior facilities in the private clubs.
Harding freshman Garrison Baker said he worked out in the GAC last semester but has recently joined another gym.
“I went to the Harding gym because I did not work out as often as I do now,” Baker said.
He said it was easier to exercise at the GAC because it is located on campus, and students do not have to pay to use it, but it has been well worth it to pay for a membership at a local gym instead.
The current weight room for Harding was built in 2000 and has seen few changes since. Dr. Stephen Burks, coordinator of the university’s wellness program, said he is aware of the improvements that could be made.
“The best word I can think of to describe the weight room is…adequate,” Burks said.
Burks said that for Harding’s size and the amount of use the school gym receives, the weight room serves its purpose well enough. However, many students do not think the GAC’s facilities meet their requirements.
Sophomore Kaitlyn Hedrick said she pays for a gym membership at theSearcy Athletic Clubbecause sheenjoys working out in nicer facilities.
“I like taking the classes at my gym. They make working out more fun, but Harding doesn’t offer any exercise classes like Zumba or Core Crunch,” Hedrick said. “Harding also does not have free weights, which is something I use every time I come to the gym.”
Burks said he would like to make improvements to the weight room on campus but does not have the funds to do so.
“We receive enough money each year to purchase one or two new pieces of equipment,” Burks said. “Although our budget has improved, it is still not enough.”
There are no plans to expand the weight room in the near future, but talk is in the air, and Burks has come up with a few ideas of his own.
Burks said if he had the needed finances, he would set up a room with a projector so that students could watch and participate in exercise programs likeP90X. He said he would also hire full-time workers as personal trainers to assist in the gym.
Without more funding, however, all Harding can do right now is take it one step at a time, Burks said.
