Matthew McCullough on Wordpress

So after 3 years of construction, the new Rec Center is finally open as of yesterday.  I went last night to do some cardio, and check the place out.  Honestly, my first impression was that it reminded me of Project Graduation, which was at Fairleigh Dickinson Madison’s Rec Center.

The facility is very nice, and comfortable, which is a welcome change from working out in Panzer, which reminded me of my high school weight room.  Seriously, the second largest school in New Jersey shouldn’t be similar to my small town’s high school weight room.  So this is a very welcome change.

There’s a whole lot of machines, which is a great improvement from 3 treadmills in Panzer.  My first complaint however is the lack of televisions.  I distinctly remember being promised at least 9 plasma screens with wireless headsets.  I don’t necessarily need them in order to workout, but with a busted ipod that I can’t use, I was kind of hoping to be able to watch something while I was working out.

My major concern however is of course, vandalism.  It’s only a matter of time before people start stealing the free towels, and wipe down bottles, making the gym experience crappier for the rest of us.  And I expect to see the number of police reports containing the words “stolen from an unsecured locker in the rec center” to skyrocket.

But really, it’s a place that I can definitely see myself spending a lot more time in once I get a gym bag together.  Which is probably better than spending my off time playing WOW in the Montclarion office.

The main elevators in University Hall run from floors 1 – 7.  The main staircase runs from floors 1 – 4.  Why is it that some people see the need to take the elevator from 1 – 2?  Seriously?  It’s one floor.  There’s even a landing on the main staircase halfway up, so you can catch your breath.  3 and up I can understand, that’s a lot of stairs, but 1 – 2?  COME ON!

I mean, if you have a broken leg, or a rolling backpack, I can understand.  But half the time I see people who are perfectly capable of climbing stairs just waiting at the elevators, only to take them one story up!  I mean I tend to be a lazy guy, but I know when it’s appropriate to take the elevator, and when it’s not.

Also, why is it that some people wait like 3 minutes for an elevator to take it 5 – 4?  Or 5 – 3 even?  Gravity is working with you people!  Going down the stairs is just like walking, only when you are done, you’ve descended in vertical space!

“

We greatly appreciate your patience, and we’re sure you will find it all worth the wait!   We’ll need your continued patience as we get up and rolling because we are not going to have a break-in period.  That’s because we didn’t want you to wait another day longer than necessary to use the facility.

The highlights of the recreation center include two stories of fitness and weight training equipment, a pool, two racquetball courts, main and auxiliary gyms, and plenty of room to relax before or after a workout or between classes.  Access to the center is free to all current students with a valid ID.

There are a few things that won’t be available right away (we are still waiting for clearances on the pool and the snack bar) but most of the building will be open and waiting for you to come over and have a good time.

So bring your MSU ID and all your energy and take a tour of the building this week!”

So I’m thinking tomorrow night when I get out class at 8.  I’m going to go on a health spree these last 2 months, and the rec center is only going to help.  Anyone else interested in getting a schedule going?