Students at LSU’s University Recreation Center now have access to a new style of training with the launch of EGYM.
On Tuesday, a new digital fitness system was unveiled with the purpose of being able to guide workouts and personalize resistance simultaneously.
EGYM uses magnet-based resistance and personalized data to adjust machines to each user’s height, weight and fitness level. The system aims to make strength training more accessible for students who might feel intimidated by traditional gym equipment.
Irma Nieves-Torres, the fitness operations coordinator at LSU UREC, said the technology removes many of the barriers that prevent beginners from using weight machines.
The machines automatically record workout data, including reps and resistance levels, through the EGYM fitness app.
“With the onboarding process, it collects your height and weight, and once you sign into the machine with your band, it adjusts for you,” said Nieves-Torres. “All those adjusting knobs are out of the way so you can focus on pushing, pulling and pressing.”
Students received a free wristband that allows them to log into the machines and store workout progress. If it gets lost or damaged, replacement bands will cost $10. UREC staff also will be offering complimentary guidance for students who want help learning the equipment.
“Our personal training staff is willing to help and it’s complimentary,” Nieves-Torres said. “[EGYM] is for those non-gym goers that are intimidated and don’t know what to do.”
LSU was one of the 10 flagship universities selected to introduce this new technology in campus recreation centers across the country.
The selected universities are known as the “Revolutionary 10” because of the work they have done in research, development and innovation. The process of getting the equipment started around September of last year, but EGYM is not a new thing for campus. The UREC has had EGYM exposure for the past two years, however this specific EGYM equipment is new for students.
“We are a very innovative campus and always trying to bring what’s new and beneficial for our students,” Nieves-Torres explained.
LSU is the first university in the state, and the second in the South, to implement the equipment. The project was funded through student recreation fees, which directly supports UREC programming and equipment updates.
“I came here to workout,” said Gabriel Nedelea, an electrical engineering major. “I’m most excited about the negative mode where it forces me to focus more on the concentric portion of the movement.”
As students begin to explore the new machines, UREC leaders said the goal is to create a more inclusive and engaging fitness environment. In hopes that the new system will make fitness more approachable for all students.
“We are a very innovative campus, and we’re always trying to bring what is not only new, but what is going to be beneficial for our students.” Nieves-Torres said.
