The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Gentile Hall fitness center recently installed just under $25,000 in new equipment, replacing three upright bicycles, two recumbent bicycles and two treadmills. In just over two years, the University has been able to complete more than $52,000 in equipment upgrades for the nearly six-year-old fitness center.
These new pieces of equipment are the latest models from the LifeFitness Inspire Series, which offers iPod and iPhone compatibility, USB connectivity, and a virtual trainer and workout landscape perspectives. According to Dick Gardiner, Director of Gentile Hall, “Our members quickly expressed their pleasure with the new machines, enjoying the new features which are designed to keep them motivated.”
Sobo-Tech out of Belgrade delivered and installed the new equipment and also loaned a StepMill machine from StairMaster. The only machine of its kind in the area has a revolving staircase with 8-inch steps and closely duplicates the workout of real stair-climbing. The machine is designed with motivating programs and includes several test features such as a nationally recognized multi-stage fitness test that gauges individual progress, and a custom firefighter test (CPAT) that could be used by area fire departments to measure cardiopulmonary endurance and muscular strength.
“We’re very excited to be able to offer these new pieces of exercise equipment and to showcase this new StepMill unit,” Gardiner said. “We have been able to make important upgrades at our fitness center, but our replacement plan is only able to be implemented due to the strong community support in memberships. We are so pleased to have this support and to give back to our members by providing high-quality equipment and facilities here at Gentile Hall.”
Gentile Hall is named for its largest private donor, Caroline D. Gentile. Miss Gentile served the University for 59 years. She was hired in 1946 by Dr. Clifford O.T. Wieden to teach at the then Aroostook State Normal School and build its Health, Physical Education, and Recreation program. Through her extraordinary long range planning abilities and her more than a half century as a classroom teacher, she created a physical education program and a legacy of promoting health and wellness that continues to serve The County, the State and regions beyond.
For information about Gentile Hall or memberships, call 768-9772 or visit www.umpi.edu/gentile-hall.
