Sweat dripping down the side of my face, the smearing makeup I was unable to take off in the locker room is only worsened as I use my sleeve in an attempt to wipe it away. Busting my ass on the elliptical might be good for my physical health, but not for my reputation… at least in the Strom Thurmond Fitness Center. Is it really just a place for personal fitness?
From the hand scanners to censor bottle filling stations, Strom is lightyears ahead of Blatt in technology and style. However there is more than new equipment that fills up the new building on Assembly. My roommates and I jokingly refer to the Solomon Blatt Fitness Center as a “judgment free” gym. For some reason, there is something less intimidating about working hard in a room with only four other people compared to the highlighted cardio deck overlooking a weight room where everyone can see everyone. Feeling like you’re being watched throughout your workout may be motivating for some, but discouraging for others.
I prefer Strom. It pushes me that extra lap around the indoor track and I have a love/hate relationship with. Strom is a place to socialize, second to working out, but nonetheless. There are easily as many conversations as miles finished on the treadmill. Drenched in sweat, in a – now damp – shirt, is not exactly how I pictured meeting the love of my life. But hey, if it happens, who’s complaining?