Focus on the Fitness Center

I know the feeling when you take one look at the weight room, see the complex machines and immediately back away toward the treadmills and ellipticals. [in]Visible magazine headed over to the Sallie Tiernan Fieldhouse to see what’s really inside and showcase some of the machines that you may never have tried. We also learned that there’s more to the gym than working out—workout videos, bikes, headphones, skateboards, sports equipment, and iPods are available for check out. The Fieldhouse also works together with Monsour Counseling and Psychological Services with classes to support mental health as well, holding different workshops and training sessions providing a healthy body and mind.

Cardio Wavetrainer

With four varying levels of difficulty, the cardio wavetrainer isolates the glutes and thighs. Position 1: grip the top of the bars, keeping your center of gravity. Glide from side to side, trying to keep only one leg moving at a time. Position 2: grip the middle of the handles, again keeping only one leg gliding at a time and focusing on a center of gravity to stay balanced, tightening your abs. Position 3: grip the lowest part of the bars and lean over, almost looking down. Position 4: no hands on the bars. This is the hardest position, because this also works your abs to keep balanced while working your glutes and inner and outer thighs.

Multi-Hip

This machine looks complicated at first sight, but gives you three different ways to strengthen your hips, glutes, inside and outside of the thoughts and your hip flexor. Position 1: stand on the black platform and use the inside of your thigh to move the weight across your body. Make sure not to twist your back and stand straight. Switch legs to keep your exercise balanced. Position 2: stand on the black platform, this time using the outside of your thigh to move the weight away from your body. Again, maintain good posture and keep your back straight. Make sure to use both your legs. Position 3: facing the mirror, put your leg over the weight and push behind you, almost like riding a bike. Use the handrails to maintain balance, but be sure to be using your leg muscles for the exercise.

Radiant

The radiant is the ultimate machine—you can do some chin-ups, strengthen your triceps, biceps, and shoulders with the pull bar. The radiant also has a bull down bench to do some old-fashioned crunches

Leg Curl

The Leg Curl helps tone and strengthen your quads, hamstrings, and upper legs. Make sure you adjust the machine properly: your knee should align with the circular knob on the crank on the right hand side, and the padded bar should rest slightly above your knee. With your leg extended, your ankle shouldn’t be pulling all the weight—let your legs do the work. Make sure to maintain good posture to take tension off the lower back!

Rotary Torso

So, it sort of feels like you’re in a rollercoaster. Grip your thighs around the middle post tightly, focusing on your abs. Keeping good posture, twist from side to side. For more advanced users, rotate post completely to the right or left and only twist to one side for a greater range of motion.

Class Schedule

Aqua Fitness—Saturdays 12:30pm-1:30pm

Body Fusion—Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:15pm-7:15pm

Kickboxing—Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:30pm-8:30pm

Pilates—Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:30pm-6:30pm

Yoga—Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:00pm-6:00pm

Yoga Flow—Sundays, 8:00pm-9:00pm

Zumba—Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:00pm-9:00pm