Anyways, I started training for the UB Bench for Glory contest after seeing the posters around school. I asked staff workers about what the contest involved and was told that it was a "maximum lift" contest. Today 4/14 I found out that it was about repetitions not maximum lift. If you know anything about lifting you realize that these are two completely different things.
This has brought me to bring up the few issues that I have with UBalt Recreation. They are simple improvements that would make a world of difference.
1. Get the staff involved. The staff outside the weight room is more often reading a book or facebook stalking. They need to be up and active whether it's cleaning down equipment, monitoring the cleanliness of the room, giving tips, or assisting the lifters their presence needs to be felt. At University of Maryland their staff was knowledgeable and helpful. Why can't we have that here?
2. Make connections. If you're sitting by the door and you see the same people come in day in and out say hello and get to know one another. Also, I am a firm believer that one of the best ways to communicate is by social media especially when reaching out to college students. UBalt Rec should connect students and encourage them to bring out friends to intramural games and other activities.
3. Be informed. I asked three different people what the Bench for Glory challenge was and everyone responded, well I don't really know but I think it's a maximum bench press. Well I like others prepared for such a competition but today it was nothing like that. Even in the Daily Digest it did not describe the contest at all. I don't understand how can you host a competition without explaining the rules or knowing the details?
4. Take pride. In the weight room everything is scattered around and it lacks any real organization. Some of the clips for safety don't even fit around the bars. On the martial arts mat upstairs I recently got a bacterial infection from wrestling on it. Obviously it hadn't been cleaned in a while. If this is your gym and you work there take pride in your surroundings.
5. Make media. The classes that they offer at UBalt are free to students and a great way to get fit and in shape. Take videos of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club, kickboxing, or the bootcamp class and show what you have to offer. Do a video interview with the instructor about what the class about and create a "no stress" atmosphere.
2 comments:
I think the staff of the UB Recreation Center does the best they can and I am a member of the student staff there. Unfortunately to have "personal trainers" walking around would mean that UB needs to give more money to Campus Recreation and Wellness to hire those professional employees. Maybe you should speak to Administration or your student government to get more money for the Gym. -John Plaster john.plaster@ubalt.edu
I go to the gym on campus about 4 times a week. I know that the front desk staff always greets me with a smile and promptly signs me in. Also, they are always helpful and efficient when I need the 4th floor swipe card, a towel, or other equipment. Additionally, every time I am in the room with the elliptical machines, stationary bikes, and treadmills, there is a staff member wiping them down. Also, things like getting signed up for a locker or information about club sports has always been handled promptly and cheerfully. When you figure in that these are generally student workers who are probably making minimum wage in between their classes, I have no complaints with the gym staff, especially for a free gym.
As for keeping the place clean, I think that should be up to the individual users more than the staff. If everyone re-racked their weights, there would never be a problem. I know the boxing club spends five minutes before practice and five minutes after cleaning the room.
Having said all that, I always wonder why someone in a blue staff shirt is sitting outside the weight room reading a magazine, as surely they could be put to something more productive. But overall I think our gym staff is the least of the problem. We need some new equipment or more space, if anything.
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