8000 of you do it every week :: Wessex Scene Online

8000 of you do it every week

11th October 2002
Laura King

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Go to the gym, that is! Between 6000 and 8000 people are estimated to use the SUSU fitness suite every week, meaning that over 1000 of us pass through every day. The majority of these users are students with staff making up only around 800 of the weekly total.

Due to this demand and an increase in the number of students at Southampton, the fitness suite has been enlarged three times in the last four years and it is now over double its original size. Most of the current equipment will be moved to the new sports centre on its completion in December 2003. The new gymnasium will be roughly twice the size of the current one with around 100 stations. Some exciting new pieces of equipment will also be appearing soon.

A revolutionary new computerised exercise bike is to be tested in the cardio room. This has a screen on which it is possible to play computer games of the type available on a Playstation 2 console. A choice of games will be available and the resistance level of the pedals will adjust automatically with progress on the game. Two of these machines have been ordered on trial and will be available from the beginning of November.

An electronic card system may also be introduced in the next few months. The system will allow the users fitness programme to be entered on to it and it then records each workout when placed in the holder on a machine. This means that the user can review their workout and also adjust their programme with their fitness instructor if needed. It will be particularly useful to those working towards a specific event or goal or those on a weight loss course.

Air resistance machines are also being considered for the weights room. These provide an alternative to metal weights and may be especially useful to those recovering from an injury as they are slightly more maneuverable.

New equipment and expansions to the gym are entirely funded by proceeds from the 14 000 sports membership cards. These have also assisted the fitting of new fitness facilities at Glen Eyre Halls and at the Southampton Oceanography Centre.

The gym is open from 8am until 9pm weekdays and 9am until 8pm weekends. Sports cards are available from the Department of Sport and Recreation.