Women who don't want to work out next to sweaty, weight-clanging men can now get away from it at the East Halls Gym.

In the basement of Fisher Hall, an old TV lounge across from the original gym houses a new place for women to exercise.

Women inspired its creation, but men are also welcome to use this area of the gym. In the event of overcrowding, women receive first preference, said Sparticus Alston, coordinator for the Office of Residence Life and the gym's adviser.

The expansion, which began last semester and is now open, cost about $25,000 and includes new equipment such as Stairmasters, stationary bicycles, thigh machines and a light set of dumbbells. The money came from gym fees.

The room is committed to cardiovascular exercise machinery so there are no free weights and no bench presses, said John Bratiotis, the gym's president.

The new fees are $80 per year or $45 per semester for men, and $35 per year or $25 per semester for women, he said.

Women using the gym seem to be more comfortable with the new room and the price.

"It's intimidating with a lot of guys there, they come in every once in a while, but I feel more comfortable with more girls around," said Monica Centanni (freshman-political science).

Another feature of the new gym will be exercise and sport science students getting credit for Exercise Science 398C -- a performance practicum course. They will work with students who are members of the gym, said Scott Ackerman (senior-exercise and sport science).

Students will be there giving advice on spotting, technique, form and biomechanics, as well as acting as authority figures, he said.

These students will be able to devise special programs, especially for women who have never worked out before, to help them reach their goals, said Bratiotis (junior-management information systems).

The number of members is limited by housing, so only 350 men and 350 women are allowed to join the gym each semester, Alston said, adding that men have filled the roster for this year. Only 10 percent of the total membership can consist of off-campus students.