Students who want to get into shape for summer now have more exercise facilities from which to choose.

The Loft, a new exercise room, opened in the McCoy Natatorium at the end of last semester. The Loft offers treadmills, stationary bikes and other fitness equipment to University students and faculty.

The Loft's specific emphasis is aerobic exercise, said Chip Harrison, a strength training specialist and the Loft's manager.

Harrison said the Loft is necessary because no other facility on campus provides people a chance to perform individual cardiovascular exercise. He also said the Loft is not a weight room.

"The Loft is the only one of it's type," Harrison said. "It provides an alternative to jogging and cross country."

Unlike other health clubs, the Loft provides trainers, Harrison said. Trainers answer questions about how to use equipment and how to adjust to individual training needs, Harrison said.

The Loft charges $12.50 per semester for student memberships and $30 per semester for faculty and staff, Harrison said. He said the fees are necessary for the Loft to recoup the cost of buying equipment.

Harrison said student reaction to the Loft has been more positive than expected.

"Reaction to the Loft has been exceptionally good," Harrison said. "We hoped it would be successful, but it has been more successful than we imagined."

But students had mixed reactions about the Loft.

Greg Barber (senior-physics) said, "I prefer the Loft because it is a cheap, good way to use health club equipment without the expense."

Hope Elliott (freshman-advertising) said the trainers are helpful and if a problem arises with the machines, the trainers can help.

However, Erin Davis (junior-psychology) said she has to wait in line because the Loft does not have adequate space for the number of members.

David Wilk (senior-science general option) agreed.

"There are a huge number of tickets with limited space. You have to wait for equipment," Wilk said.

Harrison said the Loft's staff hopes to incorporate suggestions from students and faculty to make the facility even better. "Things are different now from when we first opened," Harrison said.

"Hopefully, the Loft will not be a standby facility -- not just something new." Harrison said. "I hope it is here to stay as a service for the faculty and staff."