The FLEX Centre is one of the most popular places for students and staff to visit on campus, accommodating about 1,000 users every day.

Naturally over time, equipment in any facility begins to experience wear and tear.

That is why the FLEX Centre cardio equipment is being replaced just in time for the start of the school year.

The equipment in the FLEX gets replaced regularly to make sure that all of its users are using only the best equipment during their workouts. The cardio equipment gets replaced every three years and the strength equipment gets replaced every five years.

Last year (summer of 2012) the FLEX saw the strength equipment exchanged and this year is the cardio equipment’s turn.

Between August 6 and 13, the FLEX Centre was closed to make way for the installation. The equipment involved in the move included the treadmills, cross trainers, up-right bikes, recumbent bikes, spin bikes, rowing machines and step mills.

Most of the equipment is being replaced with newer versions of the same equipment; however some noticeable changes include improved cross trainers and a change in the equipment layout.

The cross trainers are now more dynamic in allowing the user to exercise moving laterally instead of just linearly. They also automatically adjust the stride length of an individual based on the speed of their workout. The changeover also saw a switch of less used equipment to more popular equipment to maximize the usage of all pieces.

One of the main reasons the athletic centre frequently upgrades its equipment is to keep up with what is available on the market. Fitness equipment is constantly being tweaked and improved to give a better workout and experience to the people that use it. The athletic centre wants to provide the best equipment for all users of the FLEX.

FLEX fitness coordinator Angela Wood, commented on the equipment upgrade and how it will benefit the users of the FLEX.

“After visiting and experiencing many fitness facilities over time, all users of the FLEX are very fortunate to have an opportunity to work out in a facility where equipment replacement is as highly regarded as it is on our campus,” she said. “I hope people continue to use the FLEX in record numbers this year like they did last year.”

The FLEX Centre also offers a number of fitness classes to improve cardio and/or strength & flexibility. New classes introduced this year include cardio core, ginga, yoga for the chakras, zumba & muscle conditioning, yoga 101, beginner fitness boxing and warrior workout.

Returning fitness classes include movestrong, spin, muscle conditioning, belly dance, zumba, HIIT, power yoga and yoga for relaxation.

For more information on the FLEX Centre and its fitness classes, visit www.campusrecreationcentre.com.