Over winter break, Seton Hall University upgraded their cardio gym equipment with newer models in the Rec Center.
The cardio equipment is sponsored by Life Fitness and is upgraded and replaced every three years. While the company replaces the cardio equipment, the school owns all their own strength equipment. The latest update brings with it new Apple watch connectivity for users to enjoy while exercising.
The upgrade was posted about on Twitter through Seton Hall’s Department of Information Technology account.
“New year, new tech. The @SetonHall_Rec gym has new @LifeFitness equipment that connects to your @apple watch,” the tweet read.
Dustin DeLorenzo, the assistant director of recreational services, commented on the equipment upgrade.
“Our equipment includes treadmills, upright bikes, recumbent bikes, spin bikes, power mills, ellipticals, rowers, an uppercycle machine (the arm cardio), and our brand-new piece of equipment, the arc trainer,” DeLorenzo said. “We also purchased a new weight rack for our fitness studio room with weights going from 2.5 to 12 pounds.”
DeLorenzo said that the university has a good relationship with Life Fitness and enjoys dealing with them.
“We did our due diligence with other companies, but ultimately decided they were best for us,” DeLorenzo said. “We felt that overall, life fitness provides the best equipment on the market.”
In total, the university received 92 new pieces of equipment and according to DeLorenzo, everything is state of the art and the “best cardio equipment [L]ife [F]itness has to offer.”
Taina Vasquez, a senior criminal justice major commented on the upgrade.
“I think that it is nice that the school replaced the equipment and now it can connect to my apple watch so I can better track my fitness,” Vasquez said.
Michele Ricciardi, a junior journalism major also commented on the equipment upgrade.
“I have not gone to the newly updated gym yet,” Ricciardi said. “I think it’s really impressive that Seton Hall is updating the gym equipment and keeping up with the latest technology.”
As for her motivation levels, Vasquez stated that the new equipment does make her feel more motivated to work out and use the new equipment and Ricciardi feels the same.
Vasquez went on to comment on how other upgrades to the gym could enhance her experience and motivate her further.
“I think the gym should have a bigger weight room section because it is very tight at times and it is annoying to wait,” Vasquez said. “I would also like to see more classes that appeal to people who want to start working out but might not know where to start.”
Ricciardi, like Vasquez, thinks additional amenities would make the gym more enjoyable.“I think a food spot would be a great addition to the gym,” Ricciardi said. “
They could sell smoothies and other small food.”
As for the time frame, Ricciardi thinks three years is a good period of time because technology is constantly growing and changing. “Anything less than three years would be too much and anything more would put the gym behind technologically.”
Ricciardi concluded by saying that the University should shift its attention towards desk renovation for its next project. “I think some of the desks in various classrooms around the campus could be replaced and upgraded.”
“I really do feel it is important to keep everything as updated as possible, and with the new year and new years resolutions, January is the best time to replace,” Ricciardi concluded. “I feel like the Seton Hall community will enjoy everything.”
Rhania Khamel can be reached at rhania.khamel@student.shu.edu.