Thumbs down for Schaumburg’s fitness center?

Walking into the Schaumburg Campus, a beautifully renovated entrance gives the impression of quality. The Snack Café also gives the impression of a school that cares for student interest and maintaining quality in its design.

The same cannot be said for the fitness center.

“It’s small…and old,” said Deanna Borkowski, recreation, health, and wellness coordinator. The fitness center seems like an afterthought in comparison to everything else in the school. With $24,000 in tuition for full-time students, it seems absurd not to have a decent fitness center.

Ned Pucci, the personal trainer in the fitness center, shared his enthusiasm and hopes for a better fitness opportunity for students.

“It’s too small and has equipment from 1995,” he said. “There are also not enough free weights, and the dumbbells are not heavy enough.”

New equipment would benefit students, not just in terms of variety, but also in safety and effectiveness. “[New equipment] would be better on the joints and allow fluidity,” Pucci said.

The size of the room is also a huge problem. Tae Kwon Do Club president Sarah Vuong said, “We don’t even have room to practice in the studio, so we have to go to the Alumni Hall.”

“People complain about the size and heat,” Pucci said. “I have boot camp sessions where I don’t have enough room for more than a few people, or to have them perform what I’d like them too.”

This passionate trainer is limited in resources and time.

“I would like to be full-time at Roosevelt, but I only work 15 hours a week,” Pucci said. “I have to turn people away from fitness sessions because I can’t be here, and that is devastating.”

Are there ideas for a new fitness center in sight?

Pucci put together an expansion program in an effort to pursue a better facility. He emailed President Middleton regarding it, but was told there was no budge.

“Chicago has a fitness center budget, but we do not,” Pucci said.

Pucci’s appears determined and  said he would commute and work at both the Schaumburg and Chicago campuses.

“I had to bring in my own dumbbells from home,” Pucci said. “I just want students to be able to use the facility and be comfortable.”

Should there be a better fitness center at Schaumburg? Tweet us your thoughts @RUTORCH