Coming soon: NGU fitness center
By: Theron Willis
Issue date: 10/31/07 Section: News
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Staff Writer
Last Saturday university officials cut the ribbon for the renovated Forrest and Marie Younts Wellness Center.
Younts, which was closed for construction, has been refurbished and filled with new workout equipment.
Six treadmills, four stationary bicycles, and elliptical machines fill a raised open platform in the lobby. Two 50-inch plasma screen TVs provide a distraction for runners, bikers and walkers.
"This will make being a fifth year senior worth it," said Jeff Williams, sophomore biology.
The weights are to the left of the lobby. A free weight set, cable weight machine and several mirrors to help control form when lifting.
At the center of the back wall is an aerobics area, with enough room for other types of group exercises with another plasma TV.
Other potential plans for the Center, named in honor of Melvin Younts's parents, are to use the center for a health and wellness major, which is in process to become a degree, and have health programs for faculty and staff.
"It is our expectation to increase the health and wellness of our faculty and staff over the next few years," said Dr. Thomas Allen, dean of the science and math college, has been overseeing the making of the new health center.
The ribbon cutting ceremony was to honor all those involved in making the transformed facilities possible, and to give a tour of the almost complete workout center.
Among those honored were Melvin and Dolly Younts, who were the main financiers of the project, maintenance, who carried out the renovations, and others.
Melvin Younts said the fitness center is a "pleasant shock" and "exceeds the original expectations I had when Dr. Epting was talking to me about converting the original center to a facility of this type."
But Younts is not ready for use.
John Powell, the Wellness Program Coordinator, said a "punch list" of things must be completed before it can open, such as the finishing touches and parts for the equipment.
"Words cannot express how thrilled we are to have this facility for the students, faculty and staff, and we hope everyone will get in better shape," Dr. Jimmy Epting said.
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