Like the oven clock that still flashes 12:00, or the extra buttons on a TV remote control, some of the options on a treadmill function panel can be downright confusing. To ease the burden, Campus Recreation staff now offers orientation tours of Northeastern’s fitness center.
Located on the second floor of the PE Complex, the fitness center is open to students, faculty, alumni, and community and family members. Students pay a recreation free with their tuition that serves as a ‘membership’ fee for services at the PE Complex. All others can buy a membership with price options and semester / annual options or purchase a daily pass.
Fitness center orientation tours are free to all members. Led by trainers, instructors and other qualified Campus Recreation staff, the orientation tours serve as an introduction of the facility to new gym-goers. “It’s a great way to get familiar with the equipment if they’ve never worked out, or get fitness tips on how to start [a program] or reach their [fitness] goals,” said Martha Montes, Associate Director of Health and Wellness.
Staff members can explain the different functions available on cardio equipment. With 14 cardio machines to choose from, patrons can learn about pre-programmed workout options on the StairMaster Free Climber or the StarTrac Ellyptical trainer. They can also learn how to use settings on a treadmill for 5K training, interval-speed runs, or running up and down hills.
However, most of the tour focuses on assisted weight machines. Dejan Slavnic, NEIU personal trainer, said the tours teach gym goers how to “properly set-up the equipment to maximize their workouts and prevent injuries.” As Montes explained, “[Experiences exercisers] can still benefit from getting professional alignment for their body type. Each machine has different anatomic alignment. [Patrons] can find out how to use each machine to get the maximum benefit and the most effective workout from it.”
Tour guides give detailed descriptions of each weight-training machine and the muscle groups they target. The staff member will also advise patrons on proper poster and range of motion, body alignment, and seat and bench adjustment specific to an individual’s body type, height and weight.
The newly painted fitness center offers some new equipment this semester. Among the weight-training machines, there is the Stairmaster assisted pull-up machine, various chest presses, a Smith machine, lateral pull down bench, seated leg press, leg abductor and adductor, and a shoulder press. The rear of the fitness center includes flat benches, three adjustable mutli-use benches and free-weights ranging from three pounds up to 100 pounds, all laid out in front of a mirrored wall.
“Utilize the equipment to your benefit and to achieve your goals,” Slavnic said. “Many times, students aren’t exposed to the PE Complex.” He urges people to visit and use the facilities that are made available the university community. “Give it a try. See a trainer or take [group exercise] classes. Even if they can only come during a break between classes, this place is so convenient.”
No appointment is necessary to take the orientation tours. The tours are offered free of charge for students, faculty and other members with a valid ID card. Sam Messer, a Physical Education major and fitness consultant with Campus Recreation, said, “It’s a wonderful opportunity for students. It’s always beneficial to learn the proper uses of machines to prevent injury.”
Orientation tours will continue through Nov. 21. They are held on Mondays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.; Thursdays at 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.; and on Fridays at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. For more information, contact Campus Recreation at 773-442-4135 or visit www.neiu.edu/~campusrec.