By Michelle Thompson
Converged Media Manager

Ever since the Student Commons opened, the new fitness center has been part of bringing the college community together.

Denyse Vincent, director of recreational services and fitness center, said she believes that ever since the Commons opened, more students have been participating in the new fitness center and workout classes.  

The fitness center offers new workout classes and new equipment, and there will be a new check-in system that will scan students who work out in the fitness center and participate in different workout classes. According to Vincent, once the League of Lions check-in system is up and running, it will be used to measure how many students are using the fitness center and workout classes. This data will be used to determine fitness class schedules and the center’s hours of operation. 

“When we went to purchase the equipment, the committee consisted of myself and three of the coaches in the athletic department… So, we were able to look at the equipment from our general population and our athletic population,” said Vincent.

The fitness center, which is open only for the students, faculty and staff, has been organized in different areas and levels around the Commons. According to Vincent, the front of the fitness center are where the circuit machines has been placed for beginners. Equipment for more experienced students, such as dumbbells and plate-loaded machines, can be found in the back of the center.

Vincent said, “We try to make it a nice mix that it would be attractive to our whole college community.”

The fitness center has included a new fitness class called Pound, a full “cardio-jam” class that includes cardio, Pilates and more. Another new class is the self-defense class with a karate instructor. There are also two new yoga instructors that expand the amount of yoga classes.

Vincent also said she believes that the rock-climbing wall and the racket ball court are making a difference by adding a variety of options for the students who choose to be active.

Visit www.piedmont.edu/fitness-center for the list of workout classes, class descriptions and updated schedules. Vincent is always looking for students to tell her what the students want in the new fitness center. To contact Vincent, email her at [email protected].