Moving to Vanderbilt University

[uthscsa19]

At my local workplace, we get a free, but crappy, workout facility. All we get is a few machines, 2 treadmills, 2 stat. bikes and 1 elliptical. Well, I am moving to work at Vanderbilt University in mid-June and I have no clue what normal gyms have in them and what they offer. I was looking at joining their Student Recreation Center ($213 per semester or about 4 months, but summer is only $47 from May through Mid-August ) but I have no clue as to how it compares or if they'll have everything I need.

I will be mostly doing the NROL program for awhile. I know this will be a long post once I copy/paste what they have, but the only other option I've seen in Nashville is joining the YMCA. Gold's Gym is to far, and I can't find any other gyms in the area around Vanderbilt.

Here is what they have:
Cardio Equipment

• 13 Treadmills
• 11 Elliptical Machines
• 11 Upright Stationary Bikes
• 11 Recumbent Stationary Bikes
• 2 Rowing machines
• 1 Nordic Track
• 1 Heavy Punching Bag

Weight Training Equipment

• 27 Selectorized machines (Cybex, Paramount, and Nautilus)
• 2 Universal Stations
• 12 Multipurpose Benches
• 2 Preacher Curl Benches
• 5 Flat Benchpress Benches
• 2 Incline Benches
• 2 Decline Benches
• 2 Incline/Decline Benches
• 2 Squat Racks
• 2 Shrug Racks
• 1 Power Rack
• 1 Smith Machine
• 1 Cable Crossover
• 2 Leg Presses
• 1 Hack Squat
• 2 Dip Racks
• 1 Standing T Bar
• 1 Lying T Bar

And they are open everyday mostly 6am-11pm

Please let me know what they are lacking or if it is great. I will be visiting Vanderbilt next Thur/Fri and will check out the place aswell, but I dont know what is the standard price and standard equipment in a gym.

Thanks

Steve

[austintwo]

Not sure if what you posted what Vanderbilt has or what the YMCA has - but even without knowing, at the price you mentioned, your best bet is most likely Vanderbilt - with hours of 6AM - 11PM that should make it likely you can find a time that it isn't jammed with students once summer ends. The list of equipment you posted is certainly everything you'd need, and I'm willing to bet the price will beat the YMCA's.

I hope this helps.

Good luck!

[uthscsa19]

The prices and equipment are both for Vanderbilt. I have scheduled a visit with one of the trainers/assistants there for my visit to the University. I have found this information online, but i'd like to see it in person to see what Im getting for my money before I sign up.

Thanks
Steve

[RLP71586]

You should also take into account that said ellipticals, treadmills, and stationary bikes are going to be filled with hot girls. That alone would make the rec at my school worth going to.

[uthscsa19]

I hadn't thought of that, good point :p. I'm actually way to shy to actually look at anyone at the gym. I normally look at the ground between sets. Well hopefully it works out, I'd really like to find a place I don't have to travel to far to workout at. Guess I'll have to wait until next week to find out how great it is.

Steve

[Eric Cressey]

As I recall, Kara Mann (a really accomplished Strongwoman competitor) is a student at Vanderbilt. You might consider trying to get in touch with her to see what she'd recommend in the area; it'd probably be a pretty good training environment.

[Jean-Paul]

It sounds pretty standard. I am not really impressed with Cybex, Paramount or Nautilus. I do really like Freemotion equipment however. First pref is just plain old free weights. But if I had to choose a line of equipment for my gym, I'd have it pimped out head to toe in Freemotion!

Do they have platforms? Bumper plates?

[uthscsa19]

Thanks for everyone who chimed in. I don't know exactly what they have since the little information that I have so far is from their website. I will be visiting the university next Thurs, so I will ask about their equipment.

Thanks

Steve

[uthscsa19]

One good thing about moving to Nashville is that its alot closer to Little Rock (six hour drive, or short cheap plane flight). I've been reading about the Fitness Summit and it seems like it would be an interesting and informative experience. Hopefully there is a Fitness Summit next year. Even though I'll be the most un-fit person there, I still think it would be helpful in my aspirations to one day be a healthy citizen.

Steve