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Printer-Friendly ModeIncreased Ryder hours attract students, staff
February 26, 2007 —
Spring Break is fast approaching, and SVSU's Ryder Center's extended hours of operation are helping students get in shape for the beach.
The new schedule was put into effect two weeks ago and has benefited the many students who have difficulty finding time to fit a workout into busy weekdays. With the extended hours, both faculty and students can now use the center from 6:30 a.m. until midnight, Monday through Thursday.
Sara Tank is one of several students who use the center and is pleased with the new schedule.
"The extra night hours have allowed me to fit a daily workout into my busy schedule," she said.
Student Steve Wilson agreed, saying that he frequently uses the later hours because of the convenience.
Ryder desk worker Sara Seronko said that the extra night hours have proven useful for many students.
However, she added that while the early morning hours are not as popular, some people use the gym during that time.
"Many people come to work out between 10 p.m. and midnight," she said. "It's probably one of the busiest times at Ryder."
Seronko added that she sees many students come to work out between 2 and 4 p.m.
During these busy times, Seronko said that many people end up waiting for machines, and either leave the Fitness Center or utilize a different part of Ryder to exercise. She did not know if there were plans to buy new equipment or expand the Fitness Center.
In addition to waiting for machines, some of the elliptical and treadmills have been out of order.
"It took longer to fix the machines than it should have," Seronko said. Some of these had been broken for weeks, but most of them have been recently fixed.
Although many students enjoy the new hours, there are some complaints and suggestions for Ryder to further improve.
"It would be beneficial if the Fitness Center opened earlier on Saturdays and Sundays so students would have a chance to work out before the middle of the day," Tank said
Wilson added that they should "buy more treadmills because so many people use them."
There is currently no word on plans to further renovate or expand the Fitness Center. However, the Ryder Center does provide a suggestions box for students who would like to offer further suggestions on improving the Fitness Center.