As a frequent patron of the Natatorium fitness loft, I am writing to express my disgust with the current state of the ergometers (rowing machines) at the loft.

For those unfamiliar with the loft, there were four brand new rowing machines last semester, and as of Wednesday night, all were broken.

As a member of the crew team not competing this semester, I rely on these machines as part of my regular workout, as do many other rowers.

It is an annoying waste of time during a busy day to come all the way from the west side of town to the Nat, with the intention of using one particular machine, only to find that they are in poor condition or not at all in working order.

The price of a fitness pass has gone up $5 this semester. Although it is still a much better deal than expensive off-campus health clubs, I feel that we patrons are at least entitled to working equipment.

But the problem does not lie solely in the infrequent maintenance, but more so in the misuse and abuse of these sensitive machines by some patrons.

You know who you are: the people who row for only five minutes at the highest level of resistance, pulling erratically and irregularly with an underhand grip at 40 strokes per minute, as if Satan himself were at the other end of the chain.

This is neither good for the machine, nor is it a good workout for you.

Despite the heavy use of these popular machines, four brand-new ergs should not all be broken after only one semester, if used properly.

Please, if you are not sure of proper use and technique, then ask the attendant, trainer or someone who knows.

When used properly, the machine will last longer, money will be saved, people will not be inconvenienced by the down time, and there will always be an erg for whoever wants to use one.

Be good to the machines, and they'll be good to you.