ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ

Tri-Rec Offers Convenient Workout Location for Students in Residence Halls

ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ State Adds New Fitness Center for On-Campus Residents

Β颹ӰԺ’s Recreational Services and Residence Services departments have collaborated to open a new fitness facility in the Tri-Towers Rotunda, exclusively for on-campus residents. The facility opened this spring semester.

A ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ State student uses on of the new exercise machines in the new Tri-Rec fitness facility located in the Tri-Towers Rotunda.

The 7,000-square-foot Tri-Rec includes more than 70 brand-new exercise machines and free weights. The space, which previously housed an architecture studio, also includes a laundry facility and tutoring rooms.

β€œWe have really been starting to get a lot of support behind health and wellness from the university, especially under the new president,” said Steven Langdon, marketing coordinator for ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ State’s Department of Recreational Services. β€œThe new ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ State of Wellness initiative was almost like the driving force behind this. We knew we had the support of the university.”

Langdon said Tri-Rec is centrally located, which adds value for students who live on campus. ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ State’s campus-resident fitness center project is comparable to that of other, similarly sized universities, which also have multiple facilities throughout campus.

β€œIt’s about 100 yards from my dorm, whereas the other one is about half a mile,” said Eric Rohrabaugh, junior exercise science major. β€œSo it’s more convenient to get a workout in here before class.”

ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ State alumnus and former recreational services employee Bryan Knapp is now with G&G Fitness, the company that supplied all of the equipment for Tri-Rec. He and Ben Cope, assistant director of fitness and wellness at ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ State’s Department of Recreational Services, shared the vision for the Tri-Rec facility.

β€œWe had a personal connection with Bryan, and because of that, we were really proud to move forward with him and confident that he would provide the best equipment for us,” Langdon said.

Langdon hopes that students will be more motivated to start an exercise routine now that there is a gym closer to the residence halls. The size of the gym is also more welcoming to beginners, who might be intimidated by the main recreation center.

β€œAt home, I have a really tiny gym, so this is more me,” said Erica Noble, freshman nursing major. β€œI feel more comfortable here than at the huge rec.”

Like a hotel gym, there are no locker rooms or showers at Tri-Rec, which Langdon said gives students a more relaxed, homey feel.

β€œIt’s built to be an in-and-out workout,” Langdon said. β€œIt’s prime to throw in a load of laundry and get your workout done in that same time. And, then, right downstairs is Rosie’s Diner and Market. You could do everything all in one shot.”

In its opening week, Tri-Rec recorded more than 3,200 swipes, averaging more than 450 swipes per day, Langdon said.

LEARN MORE ABOUT the TRI-REC

POSTED: Tuesday, March 7, 2017 10:44 AM
Updated: Thursday, December 8, 2022 09:08 PM
WRITTEN BY:
Latisha Ellison