Students now have better access to all the equipment available in Roche Sports Complex’s upper fitness studio.
The improvements allow students to conveniently personalize their workouts, said Brad Kocher, director of recreational sports. They can play their music on upgrade audio connections, access Apple TV or YouTube from iPads, or stream video workout programs on the televisions in the studio.
“The fitness studio is much more user friendly,” Kocher said. “It’s easy to come in and get a great workout. We have live fitness leaders, for those who need that interaction for motivation. We have the virtual studio that gives students the opportunity to have freedom and many options for a workout.”
Before this year, a two-way mirror hid three TVs in the studio, but now the screen projection is visible through clear plexiglass. Additionally, students had limited access to iPads to stream music and video. Now, the iPads are reprogrammed and clear of some minor bugs. Students can find them along the walls opposite the windows in the studio.
The college also purchased three Roku sticks, portable remote-shaped devices that plug into the TVs. Students can get a Roku stick at the sports complex’s security desk. They provide access to stream the Beachbody LLC workouts, including Insanity and P90X.
The studio is open on weekdays for about 17 hours a day and around 10 hours each day on the weekends.
“I tried to leave as much open time as possible so that students can drop in and do a workout whenever they want,” Kocher said.
Shelby Phillips, senior captain of the Charger cheer team, said the hours allow her to get an after-class workout and schedule practices for her team. With the rewired iPad systems, she can sync cheer music to the sound system, so the team can practice its routines.
“The new renovations to the televisions could be good tools to use for cheer routines,” Phillips said, noting the ability to use the TVs to play new routines during practice.
For those interested in a group workout, the college offers free yoga, Zumba, aerobic, and cardio classes to students in the upper fitness studio. No sign-up is required, and students may come when they wish.
Assistant Professor of French Anne Theobald leads a barbell strength class Mondays from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
“I am very impressed with the facilities, especially with the quality of the sound system,” Theobald said. “I was also delighted to find that all of the equipment I use in the weight training class — weighted bars, free weights, benches and risers — is available in the upper fitness studio.”
This equipment, however, isn’t limited to classes. Students may use the weights, yoga mats, and electronic systems at their discretion.
Sophomore Aubrey Brown attends a 7 a.m. Insanity workout led by Dean of Men Jeffrey Rogers every weekday morning.
“I know for some it can be a little scary trying a new class,” Brown said, “but it is always so harmless and fun, especially when you can go with a friend.”
