Photo Courtesy of Dean College
The Holly & Jan Kokes ’64 Fitness Center is nearly every Dean student’s go-to place to work out. Located on the first floor of the campus center, several Dean students list some pros and cons with this facility that can be discussed.
According to undergrads, a notable benefit of the Fitness Center is how accessible it is for everyone. The gym can be found in the middle of campus, making it openly available for any student. There’s also no paid membership or premium pass: a student ID scan is the only necessary requirement to get started.
Another benefit mentioned by regulars is that there is plenty of equipment to train any part of the body. Treadmills, elliptical/weight machines, and dumbbell sets are readily available in the Fitness Center. This allows for any preferred workout routine to be possible.
For most students, the quantity of workout equipment comes at a cost. The weight machines are said to break down a lot, causing them to be out of order very frequently.
Senior undergraduate Joelle Reisner stated that “updated equipment” could solve this issue. CJ Medieros, another senior undergrad, mentioned that “2 of each machine and a changing room” could improve the gym’s convenience.
In response to critiques regarding updated equipment, Liz Houston Magurno, the Assistant Director of Student Activities, noted that “servicing all existing equipment to maintain its quality and safety standards” is her top priority for the spring semester. By the end of the quarter, Magurno promises to allocate “all remaining funding to bring new equipment to the gym.”
When asked about recommendations for changing rooms and duplicates of certain equipment, Magurno says the Fitness Center is unable to accommodate these additions due to “space restrictions.” However, Magurno is still “open to exploring alternative solutions,” as she is “committed to improving facilities to best serve the needs” of Dean students.
Despite its challenges, the Holly & Jan Kokes ’64 Fitness Center is a regular location for Dean students to live their fitness journey. The gym is open from Monday through Friday on the first floor of the campus center, as well as Sunday afternoons.
Have an opposing viewpoint to this opinion? Let us know. All views are welcome. Send your thoughts to our Editorial Staff – Editor Dylan Hicks dhicks@student.dean.edu or Dean Daily Faculty Advisor, Professor John Rooke jrooke@dean.edu
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