Wilson Rec Center Weight Room Reopens

Nearly every weekday for the last 10 years, Pat Marson has spent early mornings before heading into work on treadmills and weight machines at the Wilson Recreation Center.

Starting today, June 23, Marson and other Duke community members will be using new equipment after the Wilson Recreation Center's 10,000-square-foot weight room makeover with new equipment, flooring and paint job.

"I'm excited to see the end result of the renovations because I'm always using machines and floor mats in the weight room," said Marson, executive assistant for the vice president of Human Resources. "There is such a variety of things to do, so I'm sure making changes will make the space look better and offer more options for exercise."

The highlight of the $450,000 renovation, which began in mid-May, includes about 30 new weight machines from Life Fitness. The equipment replaces 10 to 12 year old machines.

New flooring that is easier to mop and clean has been installed, and walls received a new coat of Duke blue and grey paint. Cardio equipment - like treadmills, ellipticals and stationary bikes - are leased, so they were not affected by renovations.

Lee Tucker, director of recreation facilities, said replacing the equipment has been a long time coming. It became a priority after discussing the renovations with gym staff and Duke community members who use the gym on a regular basis. Tucker said the new machines - including bench, shoulder and leg presses, among others - will offer a range of lifts and will be split into groupings for beginner, intermediate and expert lifters.

"We didn't want to leave out anyone who hasn't worked out before," Tucker said. "We want to make sure that if someone walked into our gym for the first time, they can feel good about sitting down on a machine and trying something new."

Following these renovations, faculty and staff have a perfect opportunity to set new fitness goals, said Mary Ann Dobbins, coordinator of personal fitness for both the Brodie and Wilson recreation centers. Benefits-eligible employees receive two free fitness consults each year through LIVE FOR LIFE, Duke's employee wellness program, to better understand how to exercise safely and create an exercise plan to use new equipment at the center.

Faculty and staff can sign up for discounted membership to Wilson Recreation Center through the Duke Fitness Club. Individual memberships are $17.33 per month through LIVE FOR LIFE.

"It'll be great to have more options for people to try," Dobbins said. "Any time you can change your exercise routine with new equipment, you will stress your muscles in a different way, which can help improve your overall fitness."