USF’s Recreation and Wellness Center needs more machines

The USF Recreation and Wellness Center needs to accommodate the number of students coming in. ORACLE PHOTO/YSABELLA ARDON

On the first day I decided to work out at USF’s Recreation and Wellness Center this semester, I was appalled by what I saw — complete and utter congestion. 

It looked like I had stepped on an anthill, watching the ants crawl out in the sheer number of people inside. 

I wanted to work on my back and biceps that day, but every machine for that muscle group had at least three people waiting for it.

I could only do pull-ups, where I had to share the bar with four other people, and barbell bicep curls, which I had to do in a random corner because there was no seating. 

I expected the REC to be crowded after the new year, but what I saw that day was ridiculous. 

The problem, of course, isn’t the people who take that crucial first step to better themselves and go to the gym — it is the lack of machines in the REC. 

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It’s the new year, and as per usual, this is the time when there is an overabundance of people in the gym. 

They’re fueled by their New Year’s resolutions and motivation to improve themselves. 

However, the influx of new gym-goers highlights the REC center’s true lack of machines. 

If there were more machines to accommodate this number of people, then the REC would be a much better place.

Alfred Gentilini, the director of Campus Recreation and Wellness, said he is aware of the crowding issue in the REC. 

“The overcrowding is a direct reflection of how much students value and use our facilities and programs, which is a good problem to have,” Gentilini said. “But we recognize it’s still a real challenge.”

Gentilini added that he considers students’ concerns his top priority. 

“We know crowded spaces can impact the student experience and we take those concerns seriously,” Gentilini said. “Our goal is to balance access, safety and enjoyment while continuing to encourage wellness and physical activity.”

It’s reassuring to know that student concerns are being taken into account. However, the balance Gentilini talks about should not be limited to the aspects he listed, but also to the number of machines in the gym.

Now, if you walk into the REC, you may think there are a lot of machines.

But one thing the REC lacks is some of the most important machines.

The most egregious example is the fact that there is only one chest fly machine in the entire REC — a machine that is amazing for back and chest development. 

No matter how crowded the REC is, there is always a line for this machine. 

Another example is that there are only two abductors and adductors, which target muscle groups such as the inner thighs and glutes — areas that are extremely difficult to target directly with other exercises or machines.

A third example is the fact that there are only two Smith machines, which are essential for some beginners.

I could list many other examples on the small number of certain machines. But with those, my point is made clear enough. 

An expansion of the REC Center would benefit both students and university staff. 

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However, Gentilini said that there are indeed plans to expand the REC. 

“While expansion is a complex process that involves planning, funding and timing, we recognize that current usage levels clearly indicate the need for growth,” Gentilini said. “In the meantime, we continue to explore operational strategies-such as programming adjustments and space optimization — to better serve students with the facilities we have.”

Many people, including myself at times, are put off by an overcrowded gym. 

Waiting for machines or just not being able to use the areas you want is extremely demotivating to gymgoers — especially those coming into the gym for the first time. 

In a time when people are usually most motivated to better themselves, creating an environment conducive to self-improvement is essential for a happy, healthy student body.

The REC is a central and essential part of the USF campus. Despite its issues, it is a place that many others and I will continue to go to. 

With expansions and improvements on the horizon, it would only become a better place for our student body to improve themselves.