Big changes are coming to the J!

new equipmentYou asked for it, and now it’s happening. Strength-training equipment in both the Staenberg Family Complex and Marilyn Fox Building will be getting brand new, top-of-the-line replacements in August. There will be a grand total of 65 new machines between the two buildings, replacing ten-year-old equipment. Our current Nautilus equipment will be replaced with new Hammer Strength plate-loaded and Life Fitness Insignia Series selectorized equipment.

These new pieces of strength equipment will be a fresh update to the fitness floor at the J, but they won’t be unfamiliar. The sleek, low-profile of the weight stacks will be similar, allowing for a clear line of sight across a gym floor now lined with new, state-of-the-art equipment, and the cool gray color scheme will also be familiar. In addition, the new machines will feature independent upper-body motion much like our current machines, meaning the user can move each arm independently to accommodate for physical limitations. Articulating seats will also be a feature of the new equipment, allowing users to adjust their seat to the optimal height.

new equipment 2There will also be exciting and cutting-edge differences in the new equipment. On pulling machines, the handles will be smaller, allowing users to grip it more firmly. For equipment used with a pushing motion, the handles will be larger, which helps disperse the load and pressure across more surface area of your hand, thus mitigating the risk of strain or injury. Additionally, the push and pull equipment will be converging and diverging, respectively, meaning they contour to the natural range of motion of your arms. This not only makes your workout more comfortable for your joints, it can help you get better results.

The new equipment also means that making repairs will be both easier and less time-consuming, allowing you to get back to pumping iron more quickly. Fitness Director Bernie Suddarth says, “the equipment we have now is at least 10 years old and somewhat outdated. With the new equipment, if something goes down, we’ll be able to get it up and running much more quickly than we can now.”

New Equipment 4The benefits don’t stop there. “One of the biggest challenges for people working out is that they fall into habits. Your body acclimates and adjusts to everything you do, and it can be hard to get out of your comfort zone. These new machines will offer a new challenge for your body that will benefit your overall health and fitness,” says Bernie.

“I think members will immediately notice the smoothness of the new equipment, and they’ll find that the machines will still be very user-friendly.”

And, of course, our J trainers are always here to help you with any questions you have regarding using the new equipment. Contact Bernie, 314-442-3452, for more info.