CCNY Wingate Fitness Center: “like planet fitness… non-judgmental.”

By Danielle Barrow

In the middle of the gym floor, Brandon Gracia lifts 110 pounds on the bench press. “The gym is a great place to release stress and improve my body,” the third-year student says. Some on campus go to the Wingate Fitness Center in their free time and find it a good place to hang out and have a good time. But on a Thursday afternoon, only a handful of students worked out in the gym. This seemed surprising because of the many benefits offered to students and faculty.

“We try to get people to know thatwe are here...and we try to take away the intimidation factor,” said DirectorJames Versailles. The center offers classes that started on February 4, 2019and will end on May 14, 2019. This gives students a set program they can useduring the semester. Classes include boot camp, yoga, Zumba, spin class,running class, and cardio boxing. 

Versaille said, “The studentsworking out in the gym have the power to create the vibe.” He explained thatstudents can choose the music and TV projectors that play throughout theWingate Hall. Students can also play basketball and soccer, and compete intournaments.

The gym has cardio machines, weights,and exercise machines. Amina Grant, a second semester chemistry student, says “It’sa good vibe here, I feel like no one judges you. I like the treadmills...Mygoal here is to lose a couple of pounds and keep in shape to try out forvolleyball next semester.”

Andy Chou, a junior in thehumanities college, said “Some friends and Icome here because it’s right on campus and we can go after classes.”  When asked about a final thought as Rihanna’sbad girl album plays on the radio, Amina Grant said this place is “like planetfitness… non-judgmental.”