As the flagship institution of this state, it should be of no surprise that the University of…read moreNevada houses the E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center on its campus. Politely screaming absolute class, this fitness center is a breathtaking site one must visit while in the area. There are a total of four working floors, including an underground parking garage. However, despite the unforgettable monument of a predecessor that is Lombardi Recreation Center, the E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center surpasses that of the prior-mentioned due to the following criteria:
EQUIPMENT/GENERAL FITNESS
(1st Floor)
First and foremost, when one considers a gym, the equipment constitutes as a key, deciding factor. Starting on the first floor, there is an absolute abundance of everything quintessentially fitness. This main portion of the first floor is a haven for gym bros such as myself considering there are (almost) endless rows of dumbbells, squat racks, benches, cable machines, etc. Now, the gym bro equipment is on the left half of this floor. On the right half lies the largest North American Crossfit Arena (I've been told this repeatedly), and I absolutely condone the truth from that statement. Here you may warmup/stretch, get your W.O.D. on, or even train with a tire (I kid you not)! Also, you may find the gym equipment less thought of when one thinks about gym equipment such as: elastic bands, foam rollers, kettlebells, and PVC pipes. Lastly, when you first enter this glorious building, there are heightened stairs that lead all the way up to the 4th floor for you to slap on a core bag and arduously make the climb all the way up. Anyhow, whether you are a bodybuilder, powerlifter, Olympic weightlifter, Crossfitter, or athlete, you will be able to satiate your workout needs without leaving this floor.
(2nd Floor)
Classes hosted by Fitness & Recreational Sports (FRS) can all be found here, on this floor. The rooms where these classes are held are normally only open when classes are in session.
(3rd Floor)
If you wanted an extra burnout for that Chest Day, you can make your way to the 3rd floor for two spacey sections of additional gym machines. Also for the cardio enthusiast, if you didn't want to use one of the 7 (or so) treadmills offered on the first floor, here you will be pleased to discover that there are more treadmills, ellipticals, Stairmasters, cycling, and rowing machines. The other focus of this floor would be the full quad-court basketball area. Yes, there are four full courts in one and basketballs galore. Think of campus rec times infinity.
(4th Floor)
Last but not least, is the track on the last floor. Former high school track runners, or gym goers who need to avoid stationary running will find this aspect quite spectacular. Also, there are additional mats and rowing machines on the both sides where there are stairs.
ATMOSPHERE
As this gym is catered to college students, expect it to be quite friendly/civil during the operating hours. Gym patrons are generally courteous and actually re-rack the dumbbells upon curling them. Aside from the abundant hand-sanitizer dispensers, you will find the fitness center to be quite clean and orderly. If you are a new-comer, you will definitely feel right at home if not, welcome.
AMENITIES
Parking is a cinch if you are coming in at a non-peak hour. There is a single-floor of underground parking below the center. It's the best way to enter, considering there is an elevator that leads you directly from the parking to the lobby. Considering Wiegand is about four floors, there is another elevator for use on the left-hand (south) side of each floor located in the gym. A major perk of this center and where students definitely got bang for their bucks (a lot of bucks), are the lockers. Without a need for bringing a personal lock, the self-service day-use lockers are especially convenient for patrons on the go. There are day-use lockers in both the men women's locker rooms, in addition to the ones located out in the general area. If you don't have a need for a locker, feel free to place your belongings in any of the plentiful, open-space cubbies. Even the water fountains are something to marvel at. If you forgott to fill-up beforehand, no fret! There are plenty of water-filtering bottle-filling fountains available, in addition to the standard drinking fountains. Clean towels and weightlifting belts are offered as well. At a convenience, single-user gender neutral restrooms are offered on the 3rd floor as well. Lastly, if you do commute here via skating or biking, you'll be pleased to discover that there are racks for both (go inside for the former).
STAFF & FACULTY
I might be biased when it comes to having friends that work here, but they're the absolute best. You will find that only students work at here, and they are all quite helpful, friendly, and courteous.
At the very least, you will be astounded by this modernity on the campus of The University of Nevada.