Agitation among the student body is mounting as construction on Dartmouth's new fitness center continues and conditions in the interim center prove to be unsatisfactory for many students, an inconvenience that is expected to persist until at least April, according to Sarah Berger, a fitness center staff member.
The interim fitness center includes an enclosed area of free weights on a former basketball court, one remaining basketball court and a space for physical education classes. The upper level, which was once an indoor track, now houses cardiovascular equipment and weight machines.
"I think it's terrible," said Adam Rauchut '06, who continues to work out at the interim fitness center despite his dissatisfaction. "It's impossible to get a good workout in such a crowded environment where free weights are separated from weight machines."
Fitness center desk monitor Ryan Payne '06, however, did not express the same disappointment with the conditions at the center and continues to work out there.
"The cost of working out at the fitness center is included in our Dartmouth education, and it is also in a very convenient location," Payne said. "I have heard people complain of overcrowding, but in my personal experience, I have never had to wait to use a machine."
Berger agrees with Payne and wants students to come to the center and decide for themselves.
"The one thing I do hope people know is that if they have heard hearsay about the construction changes and not ventured over, they might not realize that we actually have more equipment and space than we did a year ago," Berger said.
Due to cramped space and smothering temperatures, Dartmouth students are seeking alternative workout options.
The most popular alternative has been the River Valley Club in the Centerra Park shopping plaza in Lebanon, N.H.
"There's definitely a whole slew of Dartmouth students coming over since the construction on Kresge," Chris Acher, a membership representative at the RVC, said.
Students pay $250 for a three-month membership to the club, Acher said. In addition, new members pay $35 for a 90-minute consultation with fitness staff to evaluate their personal fitness.
Peter DeMaria '06 chose to purchase an RVC membership after he returned to campus this fall and saw the current conditions at the interim fitness center.
"While some students at the school can easily afford the cost of membership at the River Valley Club, Dartmouth has failed to address the needs of the many who cannot," DeMaria said.
Rauchut cited the cost of an RVC membership as a major reason for not joining the club.
Many students who join the RVC claim that the conditions are more spacious and the temperatures are more comfortable than at the interim fitness center. In addition, the club has other amenities, including a squash court, climbing wall, spa and pools.
"Around here we have the best equipment-to-member ratio," Acher said.
Yet Berger believes the temporary inconveniences will be worth it in the long run.
"We surely appreciate people riding out this temporary period in anticipation of something that's going to be pretty great," Berger said.
In the meantime, some students will continue to choose alternative places to exercise.
"In the end, the price of a membership to a non-school gym was worth it when compared to the overcrowding and stifling heat of the current fitness center," DeMaria said.
