• by dave.b , February 15, 2008

Spring Break is just around the corner and you know what that means! Everyone on campus will be rushing to the gym to lose a few extra pounds to look good in their swimsuit. Our campus gym will be packed to the maximum and waiting for a treadmill, elliptical, or arch trainer will seem to take forever. I have noticed issues with these wait times lately and have been thinking a lot about a digital solution.

Last week I was in the gym and signed up for a treadmill. About halfway through my workout I was interrupted by a gym employee, who said my time has expired. I explained that I had just gotten on and was only halfway done. We ended up talking more but that isn’t important. The problem was solved and I was able to finish my workout because there was an extra treadmill not in use. This is not the first time this has happened to me, and I have heard many stories from friends who had the same problem.

Here's my solution - I believe this could be rather simple and not take too much time: Why doesn’t BSU Recreation have an online sign up form for all machines student have to sign up for? This would be a simple way for people to plan their workout. Simply go online look at the schedule and if there is an open time slot sign up and you know at that time the machine is reserved for you. If you cannot go at your reserved time go back online and remove your name from the schedule so gym employees can know that machine is open. BSU Recreation can also have a computer stationed at the front desk to check on the time schedules for individuals who walk in.

I have not been to a gym that has online registration for machines. I believe that if implemented this can save time, reduce gym frustration, and improve gym satisfaction. If implemented or not I will still go to gym, but it was just a thought that I had.