Lyon College News Bureau
The Lyon College Fitness Center flexed its new muscles at an open house Thursday, Jan. 12, showing off the results of a recent series of upgrades and renovations.
Located in the Becknell Physical Education Building, the 4,000-square-foot fitness center opened its doors at halftime of the men’s basketball game against Crichton College, and also at halftime of the girl’s game with Blue Mountain College. Visitors also got a look at the new facility between the games.
The event gave area residents and Lyon sports fans their first look at the newly refurbished weight-lifting room and cardiovascular area, which has been outfitted with new free weights, treadmills, stationary bikes, lowered ceilings, air conditioning, carpeting, mirrors, assorted exercise gear and a new coat of paint. A new sound system will be added later.
The new free weight equipment includes: leg press; calf raise; three power racks for squats; four bench presses; three incline bench presses; an arm curl bench; dumbbells ranging in size from five to 90 pounds; two weighted medicine balls; and one physioball, used to strengthen abs and back.
New weightlifting machines include: butterfly; two leg curls; leg extensions; shoulder press; chest press; Gravitron (a weight-assisted machine for dips and pull-ups); and a universal machine.
The facility’s new cardiovascular conditioning equipment includes: three treadmills; two stationary bikes; three Stair Masters; and
an elliptical trainer.
Lyon College Athletic Director Terry Garner said the new facility will be supervised by a staff member or student worker who’ll be on-hand to provide assistance if needed. Also, Lyon athletics trainer Shaun Tackett can occasionally lend advice and information as well, Garner added.
“Having people there will make it a safer workout environment,” he said. “We’ve also installed a telephone in the weight room in case of emergencies.”
The equipment upgrades, coupled with the new paint and mirrors, make it an effective, and attractive, place to exercise.
“The aesthetics have really improved the atmosphere,” Garner said. “It’s a first class environment.”
Lyon College students, faculty and staff may use the renovated fitness center when classes are in session, Monday – Friday, from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m., and on weekends from 1 – 10 p.m. The facility will be closed when classes are not in session.
The Becknell Physical Education Building is a 2,000-seat arena that features, in addition to the recently renovated weight room and cardio area, four locker rooms, a heated indoor swimming pool offering a choice of aquatic programs such as lap swimming and water aerobics classes, and an indoor racquetball court.
The lower level of the building contains offices for the athletic department and lobby areas. The upper court area hosts Lyon’s home basketball and volleyball games.