Pumping up

Upgrade work to University gyms beneficial to students

Recently, the University has announced its plan to renovate University gym facilities. The hefty changes will benefit health-conscious students with shallow pockets.

The improved workout facilities on campus will lift the facilities to the level of quality at gyms at other universities and downtown.

"The improved workout facilities on campus will lift the facilities to the level of quality at gyms at other universities and downtown."

Keeping the on-campus facilities on par with gyms downtown. This competition gives students a broader range of options. These options include affordability, aerobic classes, proximity to where people live, etc.

As it stands now, the gyms downtown charge more than on-campus facilities. They also offer arguably better equipment and programs. Many students do not have the money to spend that these gyms charge their customers. That is why upgrading University facilities is a good idea.

The more affordable and accessible University gyms become, the more students will utilize these facilities.

However, the University should not raise the cost of fees to pay for the renovations.

The University is considering increasing fees for the use of the equipment or using funds from the student activity fee.

The University must work to keep these facilities as inexpensive for students as possible. Raising fees or creating additional ones, would work against what the University is trying to provide -- affordable gym access for students.

A better-equipped gym would be great, but if less students could afford the possible new fees, then the renovations would counteract the benefits of upgrading the facilities.

A major theme in society today is health. It is great that the University is trying to give students more options and better facilities to use. It is imperative that the University remember its initial goal and ensure the costs of the renovations do not hinder students from taking advantage of the upgrades.