A new 1,080-square foot fitness room in The Village was completed this summer, replete with treadmills, elliptical cross-trainers and yoga mats. The facility, which is open 24 hours a day to all students, is air-conditioned with drinking fountains and two televisions.The Student Involvement Team, a committee headed by Assistant Dean of Student Life Lori Tenser to engage students on campus, created a proposal titled "Making Physical Fitness and Athletics Matter at Brandeis" in June of 2002. The proposal included discussion of creating additional fitness centers in different parts of campus, also like the one in Rosenthal Quad.

Becky Horowitz '05 said she enjoys the benefits of the new gym.

"You can come later when you can't really concentrate on your homework anymore," Horowitz said.

Tenser said that working toward creating the gym was very important. She also aid she was happy to be involved with the Student Union throughout the construction.

"Student Life and [Residence] Life had advocated for creating a fitness center there," Tenser said. "The Student Union definitely pushed the idea forward."

Tenser, along with Capital Projects Manager John Cummings and Residence Life staff, met with the Student Union to discuss what equipment should be purchased. Tenser said Cummings managed the execution of the plan and ordered the equipment.

Associate Athletics Director Lynne Dempsey also offered her advice as to what equipment to purchase and how to maintain a comfortable environment.

"I helped find the machines and suggested that if a radio was installed, to make sure it was secure," Dempsey said. "I was just giving them some information on a few problems we encounter [at Gosman]. But they did a great job and everything looks terrific."

Josh Brandfon '05, a member of the Involvement Team and former Union president, said the gym is a great addition to the south side of campus.

"I think that's it's a little bit nicer than the gym in Rosenthal, and hopefully it will help to relieve some of the long waits to use the equipment in Gosman," Brandfon said.

Ariella Morrow '06 said she is happy the Village gym is always open, since the Gosman Sports Center closes at midnight on weekdays. She also said she enjoys the yoga mats and everything else the gym has to offer. But she said she wishes there were exercise balls.

Tenser said the possibility of installing a bathroom was initially under consideration, but was dismissed due to some challenges - time, expense of additional plumbing construction and the amount of space it would utilize added to maintenance concerns.

Others suggested repairing plumbing and maintenance that would be required which comes with having a bathroom.

When the Village opened last year, there were two empty rooms-one of which the fitness center resides. Other than considering building a fitness center, the University contemplated installing a coffee shop.

"We worked together, staff and students, to make the fitness center a reality and to be sure that it reflected student needs," Tenser said. "[Senior Vice President for Students and Enrollment] Jean Eddy is very supportive of athletics and physical fitness at Brandeis. Her support helped move this project along."

Ami Chitalia '06 said that she is happy about the new gym. She lives in the Village and said it is very convenient for her to go and work out. Josh Bernstock '06 said he spends roughly eight hours per week at the facility. His friend Ben Bidadi '05 said he enjoys the new televisions.

"We pose problems and attempt to troubleshoot while watching the history channel," Bernstock said.