KSUTC workout facility promotes training

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The center is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

By ED RUNYAN

VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF

CHAMPION — Christian Thoma of Warren began his training at Kent State University Trumbull Campus to become a police officer last September, the first year the training was available there.

One of the requirements is for Thoma to attend physical training classes in the new fitness center, in the Workforce Development Building (the one closest to state Route 45) so he can pass the physical fitness test, which includes running, sit-ups and push-ups. The center also started operation last September.

But on a recent Tuesday afternoon, Thoma was working out in the gym on his own, taking advantage of his anytime membership as a cadet to improve his upper body strength on the free weights. All university students, faculty and staff can buy reduced-price memberships.

"It helps with the physical training [requirements] and it helps to be stronger as a police officer," Thoma said of the extra workouts. He added that he had a membership at a private gym before started at the police academy, and Kent State's new facility compares favorably with private gyms.

"It's good for anyone who wants to stay fit," he said.

The university bought the fitness equipment from the MTC Training Center of Niles last summer when it bought the police academy. It bought other fitness equipment from the Warren YWCA.

Plans were bigger

But the university had bigger plans for the space than just the police academy, said Lisa Goetsch, Workforce Development director. First, the university made the center available for students taking the credit course in Nautilus training, a class held off campus in the past.

And at the same time, it became a training ground for the 4-year-old personal fitness trainer certification program, a 30-hour noncredit class. With the fitness center, such students can take classes elsewhere in the Workforce Development Building or elsewhere on campus "and then go down the hall for clinical lab work," Goetsch said.

The trainers are available to provide assistance to members for a fee.

The center also provides employment and internship opportunities to the 25 students per year working on their personal trainer certification and other fitness certification programs offered, such as cardio boxing for fitness and functional flexibility.

Finally, last November, the center was opened to the public on the theory that the university should be a public resource and that having the public come to the campus might increase interest in the university's other programs and services, Goetsch said.

Lower prices

By offering prices well below most private gyms, the mix of public users and university users is already tipping in the direction of the public, Goetsch said, at around 60 percent and growing.

So far, she isn't concerned about being overrun. The 500 or so members, including staff at the Trumbull Career and Technical Center, who have a corporate membership, still fits nicely within the long, curved space in the modern-looking building.

Goetsch said the facility is geared to the needs of its users, with a new treadmill added this month because of a member request, though neither waiting in line or time limits on treadmills have been a problem so far. Yoga, Pilates and stability-ball classes sought by members are also being added soon, she said.

Though Goetsch says the center is not what some would call full-service because it has no swimming pool, it does offer amenities such as locker rooms with showers.

The facility is open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call (330) 675-8809 or (330) 675-7691 for more information.

runyan@vindy.com

Monday, March 12, 2007