SIUE Boasts State-of-the-Art Amenities in Newly Expanded Free Weight Room
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has further enhanced its Student Fitness Center with the expansion of its free weight room. The facility has doubled in size, now spanning approximately 7,000 square feet. It features state-of-the-art equipment and fitness amenities.
“We’re extremely excited to add this space for our students,” said Keith Becherer, director of Campus Recreation. “We continually saw on our assessments, surveys and feedback forms from students that they wanted more space in the free weight room.”
With the support of SIUE Student Government, and approval from the SIU Board of Trustees, the $2.5 million student fee-funded project officially opened in January.
“This kind of functional fitness is really what students across the country are looking for,” said Dave Hagedorn, assistant director of Campus Recreation. “A little bit of the CrossFit wave has introduced more people to Olympic lifts, power lifting, grabbing three dimensional weights and using them with their body instead of just using a fixed piece of equipment. All of that needs space, and now we’re able to offer that.”
Increased square footage, advanced equipment, higher ceilings, ample natural light and a more user-friendly layout have welcomed people with a diverse range of needs and abilities.
“This caters to everyone, from ages 18 to 70,” said Todd Schultze, assistant coach of SIUE women’s basketball. “They’ve added a lot of equipment that’s versatile to somebody who wants to get really big, or somebody who just wants to maintain.”
“The new weight room is beautiful,” freshman Morgan Cavaiani said upon entering the space. “I love all the open windows. It’s much better than having just a little rectangle of space. It allows more people to work out at one time, and it’s a big improvement for the University.”
The expanded facility is one more amenity that will help the University contribute to lifelong health and fitness.
“The Student Fitness Center serves users on many different levels, whether that’s stress relief, maintaining a routine or learning something new,” Hagedorn said. “Our approach in higher education is to educate our users that their mind and body are connected. We want their bodies to be well so their minds can be well.”
Photo: Anthony Buensuceso, an exercise physiology graduate student, works out in the expanded free weight room.
