Madison Kwiecinski – Editor-in-Chief 

Mvk5945@psu.edu 

Many times throughout the development of Erie Hall you could hear people reference the idea that Behrend was receiving a top athletic facility. To me and many others, I feel like this may have made it seem like Erie Hall was going to be geared toward athletes after the remodel, with more advanced equipment. However, I do not think that could be further from the truth, as the new gym facility has a very welcoming and accommodating atmosphere. 

Since the gym’s opening, I have now heard many students talk about how the facility feels more similar to Planet Fitness than your typical college gym. The gym is spaced out very nicely, making it so students can have more space to work out on their own without being intimidated. 

Previously in Junker, the gym was small and surrounded by a glass wall so I felt as though the environment made those who came to work out feel much more watched. This set up, in my opinion, makes it much harder for those who are new to the gym to feel comfortable and start going regularly. 

The new workout equipment itself in Erie Hall is also much easier and less intimidating to use. There are numerous machines that have diagrams of how to use them, which make it easier to explore types of workouts those who are new to the gym may have previously avoided. 

There are new arm machines instead of strictly free weights, though there are also still free weights as well.  There are also many types of new cardio  equipment Junker did not previously have at all such as the stair climbers and Peloton bikes. 

Specifically the Peloton bikes are great for beginners, as they come with a lot of preprogrammed and guided workouts students can take advantage of on their own time. 

The majority of the cardio equipment is set up bordering the balcony that overlooks the three-court gymnasium, which allows for those who are working out to be facing away from others. This creates a more comfortable environment as well since no one feels watched and there is something for those who are working out to focus on since they can watch the activity on the floor below. 

Another thing I think makes this new facility great for beginners are the free classes being offered to the community. Originally, they were offering a step-up class and a spin class, both of which were doing really well. I think Behrend students are excited about the opportunity to have guided workouts as well. 

My roommate Maria DiToppa received the opportunity to teach a yoga and pilates class there after the other two classes were in high demand. Students seemed to really be interested in a yoga class, so the school stepped up to offer this program to students and fill the need. 

When asked about whether or not this class seems to be attracting students of different activity levels, DiToppa stated, “We welcome all skill levels. I start off my class by saying if there is any part of this class you do not feel comfortable with to feel free to modify or sub in a different exercise,” Se continued,  “We all are on different skill levels and have strengths in different areas, the main point is that you show up! The classes at Erie Hall are very easy to follow across all skill levels. We also talk about how these classes are supposed to get students engaged in physical exercise, regardless of skill level. Our main goal is to get students moving and more comfortable in the gym.” 

Overall, the new Erie Hall seems to be expanding the athletic services the school previously offered to be more inclusive of all skill levels, and less intimidating for beginners. 

Erie Hall is also incorporating physical and mental health by moving Personal Counseling into the new building. Personally, I believe this move has also made seeking out counseling less intimidating to students. 

I know numerous students on campus who have taken advantage of the new relaxation room in Personal Counseling since the move, which includes sun lamps and massage chairs for student use. It seems to be a more casual space now students are able to go utilize in between courses during the day. 

Previously, Personal Counseling was located in Reed 1, which meant to seek out counseling students had to visit the Reed Union Building, a place commonly frequented by other students on campus. To me, it felt intimidating to have to talk through a building of people I know in order to make an appointment to talk to counseling and seek out help. 

The new location in Erie Hall has its own entrance to the building in the South West corner of the Reed lot. Personally, I think counseling having its own entrance makes it entirely more approachable because the only other students you would run into in the office are there for a similar reason to you. This makes it much easier for those who have anxiety about approaching places like that to be able to reach out for help. 

Personal counseling also now has its own programming space for events they wish to host located inside Erie Hall, which makes these events more approachable for students. Since they were previously often also hosted inside Reed, giving them their own programming space makes these events less intimidating to students and will encourage more attendance. 

All together, I truly think the new Erie Hall is geared towards making a more encouraging environment for new students, and also providing a top athletic facility that benefits the school’s athletes as well. The building has a lot to offer regardless of your athletic ability or comfort level in the gym.