The Markin Center at Bradley University gets a much needed makeover.
With operations returning to normal this year at the University, The Markin Center saw an influx of students return to its facilities and gym.
According to the University website the establishment “boasts three levels that include a 46-food rock climbing wall, and indoor pool, four full-size basketball courts, 1/8th mile indoor track and three multi-purpose rooms.” https://www.bradley.edu/campuslife/campusrec/facilities/markin/
While the facility is surely something Bradley can be proud of, it seemed that some of the equipment in the gym needed some upgrading as the fall semester continued on.
Photo via Bradley University Twitter: https://twitter.com/bradleyu/status/1381681443953344518
When asked about the previous equipment, senior JD Gerhardt felt an upgrade was necessary.
https://www.instagram.com/jdgerhardt/
“I have been working out for 3 years now here at Bradley and some of the equipment was definitely beginning to see some wear and tear. Some cable machines were completely unusable creating lines at other machines” he said.
When the Markin center was first built, the Bradley scout reported that the facility was intended to attract over one thousand visitors a day. With this great quantity of people using the equipment, it only makes sense that upgrades will be needed eventually.
Via: https://www.bradleyscout.com/news/markin-center-debuts/
Older equipment at Markin in need of attention. Images by Luke Anderson
Ben Lindflott, an employee at Markin has noticed a much greater population of the student body is coming to exercise again as the community returns to normalcy.
“The athletes, students and faculty have been extremely eager to come exercise this year because last year the options were much more limited. We have been working here to make sure all equipment is running smoothly which includes replacing some of the older stuff” he said.
Ben and his fellow team of employees noticed the need for new machines as well and the University sprung into action. Beginning in early November, four new cable machines were installed and brand new free weights and dumbbells replaced older chipped ones.
Image of one of the new red cable machines. Image by Luke Anderson
The new machines that were installed made a lot of gym goers very happy. Junior Sigma Chi Billy Linko commented on the new machines.
“These new red machines in markin are helping us get students more active. It also allows more people to work out at the same time they have these machines side by side. This creates more community in the gym space as well” he said.
Bradley did not inform the students that the upgrade was going to be happening, so many were very pleasantly surprised when they arrived at an updated Markin Center. Campus Recreation usually provides students with information that they need regarding the center.
https://www.bradley.edu/campuslife/campusrec/
Billy is happy to be able to go to Markin once more. Image by Luke Anderson.
Now that the University has made the necessary changes to these very important facilities, athletes, students and faculty alike are able to enjoy a fully functional Markin Center once more.
Below is a video with more information.