Treadmills and punching bags: Healthier options or sexism?
Kat Timpf
Issue date: 9/11/08 Section: News
The decision to include treadmills in some women's dorms and punching bags in men's dorms has sparked excitement and controversy among students.
Director of Residence Life and Campus Recreation Ashley LaCarter '08 said the funding for the equipment came out of her budget to promote good fitness on campus.
"Women sometimes have a harder time working out with athletes like football players, they don't feel comfortable," LaCarter said. "Athletes also have first priority [in the George Roche Sports Complex]. It's a chance for women to relieve some stress."
Sophomore Megan Dunn, a residence assistant in Olds Dormitory, said she was looking forward to this opportunity.
"If I knew there was a treadmill in Olds, I'd probably run every day," Dunn said, her eyes wide with excitement. "I can think of so many benefits."
Dunn said the treadmills would be especially helpful in the colder months, so women wouldn't have to walk to the sports complex to work out.
Unfortunately, not everyone shares Dunn's excitement. Senior Skylar Walker, a residence assistant in the Dow House, said she thinks the distribution of equipment is sexist and unfair.
"Who said that women don't need a punching bag too?" Walker said. "The reason is the girls feel intimidated when they go to the gym. I thought that was a little ridiculous. As an athlete myself I do feel a little intimidated, but I remind myself I have a right to be here."
Walker also thought it was unfair that only some women's residences - McIntyre Hall, Olds, Mauck Hall, Whitley Residence and Benzing Hall - would be receiving the equipment.
"I'd say put the money into something else, putting more units for everyone's use into the sports complex," Walker said. "Why segregate it? Put the punching bags up there so if a girl wants to use a punching bag too, she can."
Walker said she does not think the treadmills will encourage people who don't normally work out to do so.
Pi Beta Phi Sorority House Director Beckie Miller disagreed. Pi Phi has had fitness equipment in its basement for years and Miller said she feels it helps motivate the women to work out.
"Most of the house uses it at one time or another, including me," Miller said. "We do have girls that use it religiously."
LaCarter said she is still looking over contract and leasing agreements, but she expects all of the equipment to be in place within the month.
Director of Residence Life and Campus Recreation Ashley LaCarter '08 said the funding for the equipment came out of her budget to promote good fitness on campus.
"Women sometimes have a harder time working out with athletes like football players, they don't feel comfortable," LaCarter said. "Athletes also have first priority [in the George Roche Sports Complex]. It's a chance for women to relieve some stress."
Sophomore Megan Dunn, a residence assistant in Olds Dormitory, said she was looking forward to this opportunity.
"If I knew there was a treadmill in Olds, I'd probably run every day," Dunn said, her eyes wide with excitement. "I can think of so many benefits."
Dunn said the treadmills would be especially helpful in the colder months, so women wouldn't have to walk to the sports complex to work out.
Unfortunately, not everyone shares Dunn's excitement. Senior Skylar Walker, a residence assistant in the Dow House, said she thinks the distribution of equipment is sexist and unfair.
"Who said that women don't need a punching bag too?" Walker said. "The reason is the girls feel intimidated when they go to the gym. I thought that was a little ridiculous. As an athlete myself I do feel a little intimidated, but I remind myself I have a right to be here."
Walker also thought it was unfair that only some women's residences - McIntyre Hall, Olds, Mauck Hall, Whitley Residence and Benzing Hall - would be receiving the equipment.
"I'd say put the money into something else, putting more units for everyone's use into the sports complex," Walker said. "Why segregate it? Put the punching bags up there so if a girl wants to use a punching bag too, she can."
Walker said she does not think the treadmills will encourage people who don't normally work out to do so.
Pi Beta Phi Sorority House Director Beckie Miller disagreed. Pi Phi has had fitness equipment in its basement for years and Miller said she feels it helps motivate the women to work out.
"Most of the house uses it at one time or another, including me," Miller said. "We do have girls that use it religiously."
LaCarter said she is still looking over contract and leasing agreements, but she expects all of the equipment to be in place within the month.
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