With over 30,000 students on campus and only two main fitness centers, finding an open machine or available space at Iowa State University’s recreation facilities has become increasingly difficult. According to Dayton Einck, senior coordinator of facility operations, more than 60% of Iowa State students utilize the university’s on-campus gyms. Last year, these facilities recorded over 940,000 visits, highlighting the overwhelming demand for fitness spaces.
“Given our campus size, it’s a challenge to meet the needs of all our students,” said Einck. “We are working hard to maximize the space we have.”
To manage the high demand, ISU Recreation Services employs data-driven strategies to optimize gym usage. Einck explained that student workers regularly perform headcounts at each facility every hour on the half-hour, allowing the department to track occupancy levels, identify peak hours, and assess equipment usage.
“We’re fortunate to have such an engaged campus community,” said Einck. “We rely on data to make informed decisions and improve our facilities.”
Cardio equipment, for example, logs mileage and time to provide insights on the most-used machines. This data helps determine where and when to allocate resources more efficiently.
A newly implemented feature on the ISU Rec website provides live occupancy updates, allowing students to check real-time gym traffic before heading to the facility. This feature is updated every hour on the half-hour.
“We hope this tool will help students better plan their gym visits,” Einck added.
However, some students have expressed frustration with overcrowded spaces. Isabella Harding, a junior majoring in kinesiology and health, said her workouts are often disrupted by the crowds.
“I’ve had to change my routine because the equipment I want to use is always taken,” Harding said. “The StairMasters are either full or broken.”
Fellow kinesiology student Ella Maier echoed Harding’s concerns, especially during afternoon hours when gym spaces become congested.
“When I go in the afternoons, I often have to wait long periods to use the equipment I need, or I’ll have to settle for something else,” Maier said. “It’s really frustrating.”
Harding believes the gym facilities are spacious enough but suggested the addition of more equipment.
“The gyms are big enough, but we definitely need more equipment,” she said.
Maier specifically called for an increase in cardio machines, pointing to the constant demand for popular machines like the StairMaster.
“Everyone wants to use the StairMaster, and it’s always packed,” she said. “While we have the tracks, we definitely need more cardio equipment to accommodate the number of people who use the gyms.”
ISU Recreation Services is taking steps to address these concerns. In addition to the live visitor count feature, staff members actively monitor gym usage and guide students to less crowded areas.
“Our student workers help direct members to alternative spaces if the equipment they want is in use,” Einck said. “If someone is looking for a specific machine, we can often guide them to a similar one in a less crowded area.”
The department also utilizes camera feeds and court reservation systems to help students find available spaces. A new update to the ISU Rec app will include the live visitor count feature, making it easier for students to access up-to-date information about gym conditions.
As demand continues to rise, Iowa State’s Recreation Services remains committed to providing students with the best possible experience while navigating the challenges of crowded fitness facilities.
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