By Joan Nelson
The Scene staff
Budget cuts have closed the Forest Park weight room this summer, keeping students from using new workout equipment installed in 2011.
“There has to be supervision to ensure no one injures themselves during workouts,” said Sue Martin, chair of education and human services. “Without the funds to pay for supervision, the weight room had to be closed.”
Students, faculty, staff and alumni still can swim during open hours at the campus pool.
That’s good news for Forest Park alumnus Marcia Rodgers, 75, who believes swimming benefits her health.
“Swimming is wonderful for my arthritis,” she said. “The movement has no weight bearing on my joints, and the doctor told me it would be good for me.”
Open swim hours are 9 to 10 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and noon to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. A college I.D. card is required.
Forest Park has two workout facilities in the Physical Education Building: A fitness center used for P.E. classes and the weight room, which formerly had open hours in addition to classes.
The college used capital funds to install $38,369 worth of new exercise equipment in both facilities two years ago.
“(Staffing is necessary) for liability purposes,” said Kirk Martin, gym supervisor. “Fights, gambling and craziness would still be going on (in the weight room even with) monitoring and supervision.”
The Forest Park pool is supervised by lifeguards, such as Ethan Farnsworth, 22, a student at St Louis University majoring in investigative medical science.
“Swimming sessions are good for exercise and social well-being,” he said. “Students also come in to work on their swimming strokes.”
The college also offers P.E. classes, such as Dance Aerobics, Yoga and Cardio-flex for people who want to keep fit.
Kirk Martin tried to start a walking group last year, but it fell through because it conflicted with the Walk for Fitness class.