Even as I pass by the school, I cannot help but notice the new renevations. Throughout the school, teachers echo, "Take advantadge of the new facilities." In the Torch, students that were interviewed said that they planned on using the weight room more. This could only cause GBN to become a physically stronger school right? The results of having a new weight room can only be good, right? Wrong.
The Glenbrook North weight room is impressive, both in size and in the quality of the equipment. The weight room has something for everyone: dungbells, cardio machines such as treadmills and elypticals, machines that specialize in a specific muscle (ex: biceps, triceps, quadriceps, etc.), and racks that enable students to bench, squat, and clean. Naturally, students want to take advantage of such a fantastic facility. What does this mean for the people who work out on a regular basis? Well, as someone who used to work out four times a week in the old weight room, I can say that although the new weight room is obviously superior to the old one, there are some flaws with it.
Teams are now requiring their athletes to work out a couple times a week. No big deal, right? Wrong, again. 30 athletes coming in at once causes a shortage of resources, limiting the possibilities to students looking to get a good work out. There isn't just one team in the weight room at a time, either. Often, there will be several teams in the weight room at once. For the athletes on these teams, this is a huge advantage. When I work out with my lacrosse team, I am very lucky because I get direct access to racks, weights, machines, and anything else I need. The trainers in the weight room make sure that students that are working out within their teams get the necessary equipment.
Unfortunately, as a student, when I come into the weight room and see a sign that says,"Football only," on the racks, I am upset because that limits my routine. As a result, I have to work around their schedule, rush myself and use the equipment before the football team arrives, or I simply cannot use the equipment.
What is the advantage of having an amazing weight room when students can't even use it as it was meant to be used? Either sports teams need to be a little more understanding or the quality of the students' workouts will decrease.
