Working out in the Hogan Sports Center just got a little easier and a lot more enjoyable for Colby-Sawyer students, faculty, staff and the local community. Thanks to two generous donors, the Elizabeth Kind Van Cise Fitness Center received a makeover in May which included an array of new cardiovascular equipment, weight resistance machines and free weights.

The upgraded equipment features pneumatic technology that uses a compressed air system rather than weight stacks for a safer, more powerful and efficient workout. The new combination strength training units allow for double the exercise equipment in the fitness center and gives more muscle group options for strength training enthusiasts. Leg curls are now combined with leg extensions, abductors are partnered with adductors and the ab crunch is included with the back extender. Overall, fitness center users now have more room to maneuver.

“The really cool thing is that you can move these machines at any speed, which plates don’t allow you to do,” Fitness Center Coordinator Shawn Royal says. “There is no recoil, so you can work out at your true speed.” This technology is beneficial for baseball and golf athletes, as they practice their swings and measure their actual speeds.

The cardiovascular area and free weights were also included in the recent renovation. The new machines include seven elliptical trainers, five treadmills, three recumbent bikes, two stair steppers, two upright bikes and 13 spin bikes. There are already plans in place to increase the number of spin classes for students and Hogan members.

The transformation of the Elizabeth Kind Van Cise Fitness Center was completely funded through contributions. Newly elected Colby-Sawyer Trustee Wendy Carey and her husband, Chase, made the generous leading gift in honor of Chase’s father, Charles “Charlie” Carey, who was a great friend to the college and the Adventures in Learning program. Another donor, who is an avid fitness center member, also provided substantial support for the project and is currently offering to match additional gifts up to $15,000 beyond his initial commitment.

The new equipment donation will also lead to the creation of a weight room for intercollegiate athletes, with some of the equipment and weights from the fitness center being moved to a newly renovated area for varsity athletes. Funded by generous supporters of Colby-Sawyer athletics, the new varsity weight room will open this fall.

“The improved Van Cise Fitness Center will allow us to provide great strength and conditioning opportunities to our students and community members,” Athletic Director and Women’s Basketball Coach George Martin says. “We are extremely grateful for the gifts that made this possible.”