DUBUQUE, Iowa – The University of Dubuque recently implemented extensive upgrades to fitness equipment located in the Cottingham and Butler Fitness Center in the Chlapaty Recreation and Wellness Center.  The upgrades were part of a performance initiative to replace outdated original equipment within the facility.

The University utilized Ecore Flooring International for new rubber flooring incorporating technology in flooring that provides more safety, more sound and vibration absorption, and more enhanced force reduction and energy restitution. Harvesting the unique power of the rubber-waste stream, Ecore creates dynamic surfaces which reduce force and return energy in order to keep bodies in motion.

Many new pieces of Life Fitness were installed in early March. Life Fitness has been providing fitness equipment for over 50 years. Life Fitness is the global leader in commercial fitness equipment. The company manufactures and sells strength and cardiovascular equipment through its iconic family of brands that includes Life Fitness, Hammer Strength, Cybex, ICG^®, and SCIFIT. Its equipment is distributed to over 250,000 fitness facilities in more than 160 countries. 

Power Lift equipment, based out of Jefferson, Iowa, was also installed.  Since 1999, Power Lift team has been dedicated to creating the best weight room equipment athletic performance facilities can buy. Power Lift mission is to provide strength training equipment made in the U.S.A. which can withstand harsh use utilized it today's strength training. Updated lighting also improved the two-level fitness center. Extra space was incorporated around equipment to provide additional safety zones.

The project was under the direction of Assistant Director of Recreation/intramural director Jose Reinoso. He met with Joshua Voight (assistant strength and conditioning), Gavin Bell, (graduate assistant in recreation), and Jake Malm (assistant track and field coach) for ideas and design layout of the upgraded facility.

"The renovation and addition of new equipment in the CRWC is a major improvement for the student body and athletic teams," added Director of Athletics Dan Runkle. "Combined with the weight room in the Veterans Memorial Training Center, the University of Dubuque has some of the best weight room facilities in NCAA Division III athletics."