New Gym Layout, whats your view?

Boston · 29-09-2009 04:05PM #1

So apparently the new layout is final. When they said they were adding more space for weights they actually meant for weight machines not free weights. The area has supposedly been "professionally designed".

Problems I have with it

Free weights area is actually smaller then before. You used to have people doing free weights from one end of the gym to the other and if machines weren't in use then people could use that space for free weights.
They removed the free standing bench press area. This area was used for a combination of bench presses, deadlifts, and military presses or variations there of. Now people are using the single squat rack for all these exercises.
They removed a squat rack and replaced it with this kieser bollix. Now I've used the kieser machines in the past and can have a roll to play, but they won't replace youe squats, deadlifts or benches.
Theres a complete lack of understanding the resistance "elite" weight lifters have to using machines. Yes you can pack more machines in for a given area then you can free weights, but they're not interchangeable, I'm not going to switch from doing the squat to feicing about on some inclined press.
The place is cramped for the space it has. So cramped its dangerous in fact. I've stopped using the gym because it has such a horrible vibe, if there's five people using the weights then you're on top of each other.

As you can tell, I couldn't care less about the cardio stuff. They should dump half of it out and to make room.

Anyway, opinions?

Jock Strap · 29-09-2009 04:43PM

You've listed only problems, in your opinion, as a result of the change around. Have you anything positive to add?

Boston · 29-09-2009 04:49PM

Well, I've more free time now that the gym has been rendered useless.

Note:

They're closing the mens changing rooms this week and maybe next week as well due to structural problems.

Jock Strap · 29-09-2009 04:51PM

Boston wrote: »

Well, I've more free time now that the gym has been rendered useless.

More time to piss about on boards, no doubt!

Also, they can't please everyone.

amacachi · 29-09-2009 04:56PM

Changing rooms closed? FFS. Less free weights sounds like a bollocks as well.

Boston · 29-09-2009 04:58PM

yea, you'll have to use the ones down stairs which have basically no showers.

cruizer101 · 29-09-2009 05:14PM

Wait do you mean have to go down to the ones in swimming pool area?

I don't used the weights much tbh, mainly rowing and elliptic, but I agree the gym is too packed, if they had a decent track around campus they could get rid of half the treadmills anyway.

Futurism · 29-09-2009 05:21PM

Haven't had a look yet but I'm not happy about the free weights.

I had hoped there would be enough of them. Only one squat rack?

I strolled into the place the other day and saw nothing of use, and ended up leaving confused.

Can anybody tell me if there are many people in the gym from 10 - 12?

GlasnevinRed · 29-09-2009 08:46PM

The changing rooms are closed due to flooding afaik.

Not really too fussed with the new layout, only ever use the bikes and treadmills etc so no problems there.

oceanclub · 29-09-2009 08:51PM

The place is a f**cking disaster:

* Men's changing room is closed due to a leak. So they're now trying to get everyone to change in the wet changing room, which means the entire area is saturated in muddy water you're meant to tread through in bare feet. Why you would bother showering before you do this, I don't know. There's barely any room to put your stuff and the lockers are two floors up. Oh, and there's a confusing "Staff Only" notice which means people who aren't familar with the area end up milling outside it, wondering if they're meant to strip off in a corridor.

* There's several leaks in the main gym, including a huge hole in the ceiling.

* There's some new-fangled pneumatic Smith machine that has been sitting there for, what, 2 months, taking up a large proportion of the free weights area, wrapped in tape. Any question about when it will be ready is greeted by "next week". Similar with the "normal" Smith machine beside it, which is hardly ever used.

Meanwhile, the two squat racks are hogged by guys doing supersets who get irate when you point out that using a machine for an hour is pretty unreasonable. Oh, and mention this to the staff and they'll say "oh, I was just about to do something" followed with "why don't you use the Smith machine, it's safer", an answer that should get any fitness trainer disqualified.

* No signs with rules for the free weights area (de-rack after your exercises, stack your weight back, don't leave dumbells all over the place, maximum of <n> minutes on racks.

I've given up putting notes in the suggestion box; I presume they're only used for plugging yet more leaks.

P.

Larianne · 29-09-2009 08:53PM

Haven't been in but had a quick look and was disappointed at size of free weight area. I don't do a big mad work out but I like doing a few weights.

When are the quieter times to go at? Looks like you'd be nearly falling over people if busy.

Boston · 29-09-2009 08:57PM

It mainly fluctuates between 70% and 200% capacity. If you're in there more then an hour changes are you'll hit one of the 4 busy periods.

8am - 9.30

12:45-2pm

5pm - 7pm

8pm - close

Futurism · 29-09-2009 09:01PM

Boston wrote: »

It mainly fluctuates between 70% and 200% capacity. If you're in there more then an hour changes are you'll hit one of the 4 busy periods.

8am - 9.30

12:45-2pm

5pm - 7pm

8pm - close

Thanks. Looks like I'll be alright - didn't want to make a show of myself lifting small weights.

GodlikeRed · 29-09-2009 09:03PM

The heat in the basement changing rooms is unreal, almost like a sauna.
Total 'mare going down there to shower and change.

Larianne · 29-09-2009 09:04PM

Think I shall be giving it a go then tomorrow. I've LOADS of hours to kill.

How much are the locks and do you have to buy them or bring your own. (sorry OT)

RD77 · 29-09-2009 11:38PM

If I want to start going to the gym is it possible to have showers? Where are they? Men's changing rooms? (after flooding fixed)

Marathon Man · 01-10-2009 11:49PM

I'm just wondering why the so-called 'improvements' to the gym were implemented. They ruined it imo. The weights area is so cramped now.
It was way better last year.
Anybody know?

Tar.Aldarion · 02-10-2009 04:48PM

Glad I wasn't around to see this better gym, I'd be pissed off. Not much free when I was there so just went running/cyclying/rowing.

Didn't know where to go to change, dowstairs was confusing. When is the mens changing rooms open again?
So best time to go is 2-5?

Nietzschean · 02-10-2009 10:14PM

either 9:30 - 11:45 or roughly 2 - 5 tends to be the best, but it varys all of the place...

and i agree Boston, i've more or less given up on using it...its just dark and cramped trying to use the free weights now.... gone in there a few times since the change but i've always left quick enough. Feel like i'm standing ontop of people....

and another peeve is the lack of mirrors near the free weights, was very handy when doing things like squats for ensuring one has the correct form....

Becky_Boo · 02-10-2009 10:48PM

Larianne wrote: »

How much are the locks and do you have to buy them or bring your own. (sorry OT)

The locks are 10 quid, you can get away with using your own one though but it mighn't necessarily fit the locker.
As far as the gym goes, where did all the rowing machines go...i was sure there was more of them last year and also could do with more actual bikes, not the ones that look like chairs (with the backs) or the spinning ones. Personally I don't use the weights downstairs, the Keiser room is good enough for me.

Gloom · 02-10-2009 10:56PM

*Still hasn't set foot in the gym*

I think I was warned not to go in there for a while (by Boson(?) ?.

€12 thing sounds good. LC has made me soft!

Marathon Man · 04-10-2009 12:00AM

Is there anything that can be done? Lots of posts in the suggestion box? I'm considering joining somewhere else.
Last year was brill- lots of space for everyone. Now they have a useless beginners area. Someone will be injured in that cramped space soon i reckon.

oceanclub · 06-10-2009 01:11PM

Anyone know has it improved this week? Any sign of the men's locker room reopening? Have they even started work on it?

REPSOC1916 · 06-10-2009 01:20PM

How long are the changing rooms out of action for? Frankly its a complete crock that we have to use those purgetory changing rooms in the swimming pool.

The whole set-up in the gym is a disaster. Also has anyone else noticed that they've gotten rid of some of the bikes and have added more treadmills?

Edwardius · 06-10-2009 02:24PM

The lack of space is ridiculous, it's almost impossible to do oly lifts in there now. That big keiser spaceship thing can be used as a normal power rack though so it's not all bad. They need more pullup bars too. Three ain't enough, especially since the non-assisted one doubles as a cable thing. I think there's just not enough space for what they want to do with it. Still though, it's decent for what I pay.

thebossanova · 06-10-2009 02:30PM

Ive avoided the place since the mens changing rooms were closed but was planing on going this week... Are the changing rooms still ****ing closed!?:mad:

Futurism · 08-10-2009 08:05PM

Weights section is definitely too small

and changing is a hassle.

Anyway, how big is the Fitness Studio? Boxing training is moved there for tomorrow. I thought it was to small for that.

oceanclub · 08-10-2009 08:25PM

I rang today and they said that the men's changing room would be finished by this week, hope that's right!

P.

Aldito · 09-10-2009 06:22PM

The changing room set up is an absolute joke. The building is only what, 3 years old?

The showers downstairs are just useless, you come out sweatier than you go in. The changing room by the pool can fit around 8 people, I was in there this week and there was pretty much two people getting changed per bag space, it was a joke.

As for the new gym setup, last year's was far better. They spent about 6 weeks over the Summer with the weights area around half the size it is at the moment, just to extend the gym by about 10 sqm, and have a "beginner area" which is just a treadmill and a bench. Madness. And as for that Keiser machine, takes up half the weights area.

I really miss the bench press racks, because now you have to do them on the squat racks or the smith machine, which is hardly ideal, and usually very busy.

Torque · 10-10-2009 07:26PM

i think everyone should put a few suggestions in the suggestion box . i wonder if they'd listen to about 30 odd people all suggesting the same thing.

Lame Lantern · 10-10-2009 07:42PM

So hang on, the men's locker room has been closed for the last week? I have friends that have been walking around with gym bags on their backs telling me they just came from a workout every time I've run into them since term began. I need to know fewer arseholes.

New Gym Layout, whats your view?

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