Members of the Notre Dame community used the University's fitness centers 350,000 times last year, and both the Rockne Memorial and Rolfs Recreation Center have taken measures to respond to the high volume of users.
Several new workout bikes were added at the Rock, and although Rolfs did not get any new equipment this summer, there are plans in motion to obtain three new treadmills later this year.
The weight room in the Rock was also rearranged to maximize space efficiency, said Jennie Phillips, Assistant Director of Fitness and Facilities for RecSports.
Phillips said the department usually tries to obtain a new line of equipment on a yearly basis.
Most machines, especially motorized equipment, require frequent upkeep, she said. As a result, RecSports does quarterly maintenance on their machines, which "truly extends the [machine's] life," Phillips said.
Kara O'Leary, Assistant Director of Recreational Facilities, said the Rock was used over 100,000 times last year and Rolfs recorded over 250,000 uses in the same period.
Ninety percent of the student body and 47 percent of the faculty and staff use the equipment over the course of a year, O'Leary said.
"I'm here about three times a week," said freshman Mike Narvaez, who plays interhall football. "Rolfs has some really nice stuff that's better than my high school's."
Phillips said that whether or not one was an athlete in high school, the recreation facilities provide ample opportunity "to continue or begin a new activity."
"Physical activity is so important to overall health," Phillips said.
For those who frequent the fitness facilities, there is a comment sheet available for users. The member feedback allows management to "get a feel for what patrons use ... what they like and don't like," Phillips said.
