The University Village Gym continues to offer machines that break down on a regular basis. Currently, two elliptical machines and one step machine are out of order.
     “I think it’s a huge issue. Every time I come in here, something else is broken,” said Catherine Caldwell, a student at Old Dominion University, who usually works out at the Village Gym five to six times a week.
     Several times a day, the Village Gym is packed to the point of near capacity causing long wait times for machines. Caldwell has a set workout routine when she comes to the gym that includes either running on a treadmill or using an elliptical machine. However, malfunctioning machines often disrupt her daily workout.
“It’s really annoying when two of the five treadmills are broken,” said Caldwell.
     Caldwell is not alone. Broken equipment is a common problem that other students face when trying to work out. Still, the Village Gym remains the fitness center of choice among ODU students.
     “I like coming here because it is close to where I live, and it is free for students,” said Caldwell.
     Village Gym employees said that there appears to be more cardio equipment at this gym than any of the other gyms around campus, which is a major attraction for many students.
     Currently, there are three active gyms on campus: the University Village Gym, the 47th Street Gym and the Athletic Administration Gym. The Village Gym alone carries five treadmills, five ellipticals, three recumbent bikes, two upright bikes, one stepmill, one stepper and one concept rower.

     Each machine is limited to increments of 30 minutes per user, with a sign-up board. Each user is only able to sign up for a machine one hour in advance.
     Previously, a treadmill was also out of order in addition to the elliptical machines and stepper. However, Fitness Resource, the company that delivers fitness equipment to various facilities, dropped off a new treadmill at the Village Gym on April 18.
     Fitness Resource is the “No. 1 resource for expert advice on fitness and exercise equipment in Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C. and Atlanta,” according to is Web site. In addition, Fitness Resource says it has the largest selection of fitness equipment, including Life Fitness products, which its the brand all the current fitness facilities on campus use.
     While students might be angry at this continuing problem, a new fitness facility, which is scheduled to open next fall, should alleviate some of the problems.
Work orders continue to be sent out every time a machine breaks down and students are asked to cooperate until then.

scalway@maceandcrown.com