Doris Laimbeer Fitness Center re-opens with a new look and new equipment

OLIVET, Mich. – Thanks to generous donations from Olivet College graduates Dave Cutler and Tom Kolassa, the Doris Laimbeer Fitness Center on the college’s campus has been renovated with a new look and modern exercise equipment. A special grand re-opening celebration will take place Monday, March 19.

The facility, which first opened in 1981, is located inside the Upton Center Gymnasium, upstairs above the pool and next to MacKay Gymnasium. The first thing you notice when entering the renovated center is a new glass wall overlooking the basketball court along with six televisions at the top of the wall. New ceiling tiles, lights and floor, as well as a fresh coat of paint was applied to the walls.

“When I walked into the fitness center for the first time, there were no signs of what was there before,” said Rachel Cook, a senior softball player from Traverse City. “The glass wall makes the space more open and bright. I am definitely going to work out at Laimbeer.”

In addition to the aesthetic changes, there is brand new fitness and cardio equipment in the center. Some of the new equipment includes five treadmills, three elliptical machines and one elliptical/stepper. This equipment, along with new free weights, can accommodate all types of people at different fitness levels and lifting styles.

Other new pieces of equipment are a stack weight, chest press, shoulder press, leg extension, leg curl and hip abductor/adductor. Olivet Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Chris Stewart worked with employees from LifeFitness and Direct Fitness Solutions to purchase the new equipment and create the layout of the room.

“The new equipment is a great addition to the center,” said Jesse Rodriguez, a senior from Ligonier, Ind. “All of the equipment is a huge improvement from what was there. The students seem very excited about these changes and hope it is a sign of great things to come for Olivet College.”

The Doris Laimbeer Fitness Center is open to all Olivet College students, faculty and staff. Those who use the facility are asked to sign in with their college ID card. Hours of operation will be Sunday through Friday from noon-10 p.m. and Saturdays from noon-5 p.m.

“You don’t have to be an athlete at Olivet to use the updated fitness center,” said Stewart. “We are inviting anybody on the Olivet campus to use it. Also, our student workers are available to assist anyone who has questions on the correct way to use the equipment.”

Click here to view a photo gallery of the renovated fitness center.