THE BELL CENTER FITNESS ROOM was recently revamped, adding a new Cardio Theatre system that allows students to get the audio to one of three new televisions transmitted directly to their headphones. Photo: Erin Hogan

MtvU is no longer the sole entertainment option for students when they exercise in the Bell Center Fitness Room. During Fall Break, facilities services and the Drake TeleMedia Center staff spent four days installing a new Cardio Theatre system in the space.

Three new 42-inch flat screen TVs were installed and the cardio equipment was rearranged to improve visibility of the screens. A transmitter was installed in each cardio machine to receive audio from any of the three units. Students may access the audio feed by plugging in their personal headphones. They may also control the volume of the feed on the transmitter.

The TVs were initially set to CNN, ESPN and a local station. Johanna Determann, assistant wellness director, said these stations were selected based on research from other institutions with Cardio Theatre. However, there has been some variation, with stations such as TBS and local sports coverage also being played.

Determann said the staff will periodically survey users to determine their satisfaction with the stations.

Many students seem to appreciate the work that was put into the new system.

“I like how everything is facing the same direction and you can see all three TVs at once,” first-year Lauren Shun said.

The Bell Center patron said that her favorite station on the Cardio Theatre system is TBS, which she watches while she works out on the elliptical machine.

Planning for the improvements began last July. Recreation Services staff worked with facilities and DTC to make the changes a reality.

“This is something we had hoped to do for the past five years,” Determann said.

It has also taken several years to budget the money for the $9,600 project.

Determann said the university is hoping to expand the Fitness Room more in coming years. Recreation services is also looking into creating a free weight room that is available at all times to the entire campus population.