The strong beat of The Pulse

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/ThePulse.jpg” caption=”The Pulse at noon”]It's 12 p.m. and McMaster's aptly named fitness centre is thriving. A group of cyclists spin to loud, energetic music aside the vigorous movement of feet landing rhythmically upon rows of treadmills. In front of mirrors, weightlifters pump iron, and bodies stretch atop maroon mats marking the beginning or end of a workout.

This is a typical snapshot of The Pulse – one of McMaster's most popular destinations. It's so popular, in fact, that visits continue to increase. For instance, in January there were 34,525 scanned visits, up almost 5,000 from a record year in 2004.

Fitness co-ordinator Tara Dinyer is not surprised at the record levels of attendance. “I think The Pulse offers wonderful programming in a very non-threatening environment,” she says. “By that I mean that we have a strict dress code and we have extremely helpful staff that show people around and help alleviate any concerns or fears they have.”

Although the story of The Pulse is one of success, there are drawbacks to doing so well – it means longer wait times for equipment.

With the opening of a new Athletics and Recreation complex, McMaster's fitness centre will be three-times its current size. “There will be new equipment, shorter waiting times to get on equipment and new and diverse programming for students, staff, faculty, community and alumni,” Dinyer says.

The new fitness centre will be approximately 17,000-square-feet  making it one of the largest and best-equipped university fitness centres in Canada. It will include a 630-square-foot cycling studio; a 2,500-square-foot fitness studio offering a wide variety of fitness classes from beginner to advanced along with power yoga and step classes and stability ball training; and a 3,000-square-foot fitness mezzanine overlooking the fitness centre.

Other new features will include an indoor climbing wall, circuit training and weight training areas; an 800-square foot testing room for cardiovascular and strength testing for both recreational and high performance athletes; and two consulting rooms for one-on-one instruction, two private training rooms to allow individuals to work with a personal trainer and an area for stretching after a workout.

The facility will help attract prospective students, says Phil Wood, associate vice-president of student affairs. “When students are deciding on what university they want to go to, more and more they're looking at the school's athletics facilities and programming. McMaster's new fitness centre will no doubt influence their decision to want to come here.”

While most clients are students, there is a lot of interest from staff, faculty and the community, Dinyer says. “The biggest issue for them is that The Pulse is overcrowded, so they often don't get the equipment they would like.”

Dinyer expects the popularity of The Pulse will continue to rise. “Health and well-being is at the forefront of everyone's mind, and students are quickly realizing that The Pulse is one of the places that can go to achieve some of their fitness and wellness goals.”

The new $30-million facility will be built beside the Ivor Wynne Centre and will also include a double gymnasium, indoor track, new locker rooms and an expanded sports medicine centre. Construction began this month, and the building is scheduled to open in the fall of 2006.