Has this ever happened to you? You enter the Student Recreation & Wellness Center (SRWC) ready for an amazing workout, the app runs smoothly and you check in with ease, you’re excited to get a good chest-pump in until you walk to the strength floor to find it bombarded with people. We have all been there. Now what? Might as well just call it a day, right? Wrong! Regardless of whether or not you have the time to wait your turn to use the dumbbells or if you are in a crunch for time, we have some alternatives for you!
If you had bench press on your workout agenda, but find that all the benches are occupied, don’t fret! There are alternative machines you can use that target the same muscle groups. You’ll discover several upright chest press machines on both the first and second floor, including one angled machine as an option for an incline press, perfect for working your upper chest.
While the deadlifting platforms are usually in high demand, you can still replicate those movements without needing a barbell and plates. Asides from dumbbells, we offer alternatives such as the plate-loaded Hex Bar and plated squat lunge machine – which also functions for shoulder shrugs, calf raises and Romanian Dead Lifts (RDL). For a creative twist, you can set up the landmine bar to target RDL’s and mix in some shoulder work in between.
Remember, one of the most accessible ways to work any muscle group is to use your own body weight. For chest exercises, explore various push-up variations. Squats, lunges and hip bridges are also an excellent choice for when you need to hit lower body and back. And if you’re feeling spicy, incorporate single-leg or single-arm movements, adding some jumping in the mix to elevate your heart rate!
If any of the machines, equipment or exercises seem unfamiliar, don’t worry. Our friendly staff at the fitness desk is here to guide you, ensuring you have a successful and fulfilling workout experience. Your health and wellness are paramount, especially as a college student. While the gym may sometimes get crowded, we’re confident that with the diverse range of options available at the SRWC, you’ll always find a way to squeeze in an effective workout tailored to your needs.
