Gym-goers arriving back to Trudy Fitness Center this fall may notice the recent renovations and updates to the facility that were completed over the summer. Updates to Trudy included new squat racks, mats and various cardio equipment, including new treadmills.
Prior to the new renovation, Trudy received its first major updates in over a decade in January 2023, including all new bikes, new turf flooring and an Escape Fitness octagon frame capable of creating an interactive workout experience. This year’s updates built on these older additions by focusing on continual improvements with the hope of further elevating the gym’s functionality and appeal.
According to Jason Longo, assistant director of recreation, facilities and membership services, these recent updates are part of a multi-year, strategic plan to create a better fitness experience at Trudy.
“A comprehensive process was undertaken to ensure that new additions would not only enhance the overall fitness experience but also align with the current trends and best practices in the fitness industry,” Longo said. “Several key factors that were taken into consideration were student feedback, industry expert consultation, budget constraints, accessibility and inclusivity.”
Longo also noted that there were several challenges throughout the update process.
“One of the primary difficulties we faced was the logistical complexity of removing all the old equipment,” Longo said. “Our goal was to minimize how long the fitness center was closed. This is one of the many reasons why we scheduled the install to be performed during the summer months, avoiding disruption with the student population.”
Additionally, Longo and other officials at Trudy had to deal with a number of potential technological issues.
“[Another] challenge was the potential for equipment compatibility issues, as the cardio equipment was 10 years old,” Longo said. “With the introduction of new technology, there was a risk that the existing electrical infrastructure might not be able to adequately support the new equipment.”
To address this concern, Longo worked with Colgate Information Technology Services (ITS) and Advantage Sports, a fitness equipment provider, to do a thorough test of the facility’s infrastructure before installing any new equipment.
Because the changes focus on frequently-used equipment like treadmills and squat racks, students who use the fitness center also shared their opinions on Trudy’s new updates. Junior Thea Beattie has enjoyed the changes made to the gym and feels more motivated to attend due to the addition of modernized fitness equipment.
“I feel more comfortable using the new equipment because I know that it is clean and up-to-date,” Beattie said. “This semester, I am more eager to go to the fitness center because of the updates to the facilities.”
Others, however, like junior Robert Patch, did not notice as much of a difference in their day-to-day experience.
“It is nice, but largely unnoticeable,” Patch said. “The squat racks are nice, but if they could add more of them instead of better ones, that would be preferable.”
While there are varying opinions about the recent gym renovations, the updates demonstrate a continued commitment to improving the fitness experience at Colgate, with room for further developments in the future.
Longo noted the importance of student feedback in making decisions about Trudy Fitness Center.
“We can assure [visitors] that the fitness center is a priority in our ongoing efforts to enhance the student experience,” Longo said. “For the next phase, we are regularly assessing the needs of our student body and evaluating potential updates based on factors such as usage trends, technological advancements and feedback from students.”
The Trudy Fitness Center is open weekdays from 6 a.m.-10 p.m. and from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekends.
