Our Sport and Aquatic Centre has just invested in new equipment, meaning there has never been a better time to road test a new gym – and we’ve even done that for you!

If you’re looking for a friendly gym with no joining fees or lock-in contracts and that is very conveniently located to work, then look no further than the north-western corner of the campus! Macquarie University Sport and Aquatic Centre (MUSAC) is open to everybody – students, alumni, staff, and the wider community. The centre is run by Campus Life, a university-owned business entity that re-invests any profits back into the University for the benefit of staff and students.

The centre sets itself apart with both an indoor 25m pool and outdoor 50m pool for members to use, as well as a variety of group fitness classes and access to other facilities and sports programs. However, the really exciting news is about the recent upgrades that have been made to the equipment in the Health Club, meaning now is the time to start a new routine.

So, what’s new?

The Health Club at MUSAC has invested close to $1 million in the latest high-tech equipment with increased offerings across all equipment types to ensure there is something for everybody. From a cardio perspective they have increased their range of treadmills to four elite models, added 27 industry-leading spin bikes with improved in-built tracking and completed a Concept2 hub with RowErgs, SkiErgs and BikeErgs. All the new cardio equipment also features wireless phone charging and Bluetooth pairing for devices such as headphones, Apple/Android watches and heart rate monitors.

If strength training is what you’re looking for in a gym, Health Club members can now enjoy three indoor lifting platforms, dedicated glute and hip developer machines, all barbell benches now including breakers and a range of and built-for-purpose athletic lifting pieces. There is also an exciting new sled track running the length of the cardio zone that forms the centre piece their new small group training program ‘MAC40’.

With the University’s increased focus on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, the newly rebranded Women’s Training Zone has been relocated to wrap around the Cycle Studio. This has increased the floor space, while also providing users an increased variety of equipment and more privacy. The strength equipment features smart tech screens that allow users to log in and track workouts and view instructional videos.

Don’t just take our word for it

We sent Chris Mackinlay, Senior Asset Manager in the Property team, and long-time gym-goer, to road test the Health Club experience. As a member of MUSAC for more than six years, Chris was certainly keen to see how the new equipment was going to help him get back into his routine:

Following a long period on-and-off Campus due to COVID-19, I knew I had to re-establish my healthy morning routine. We’re all probably a little guilty of letting some bad lockdown habits emerge. Guilty as charged. But with news that the team at Campus Life and MUSAC had been working on the installation of brand-new smart-technology cardio and weights equipment in the gym, I knew the return to campus presented the perfect opportunity to get back into the swing of things.

Having seen the social media updates that the new equipment was now available, I knew now was time to act. When Monday morning arrived, I wanted to start my first week back on campus in the right mindset, and for me that meant a gym session.

After QR checking-in and being welcomed by the friendly reception staff, I headed down to the gym floor to be greeted with all new smart-technology equipment and a revised gym floor layout. 

The new equipment is sleek – black with orange highlights, and large 24-inch display screens complete with social media and streaming apps – and easily syncs to my Apple Watch to track my steps and calories burned. The synch with Apple watch is easy, the quality of the screen is a massive improvement over the last model. The variety of work outs and feedback from the machines was also exciting.

The Cardio Theatre contains all sorts of equipment: treadmills, stationary bikes, rowing machines and ellipticals – and I noticed that the ‘Spin’ studio had new bikes as well. Note to self: Book into a class for later this week! After completing my cardio session, I scoot over to the free weights section, past the new blue sled track, to complete my workout.

The new internal layout is balanced with a revised outdoor set up, which accommodates a full range of exercises, and several pieces of new equipment that I haven’t seen before. The ever-helpful Health Club floor staff were on hand to explain the new equipment to me, and how it can complement my workout – and making sure I stay on top of my technique. (Thanks, Nick!)

With my workout now complete, it’s time to shower and change before the short walk across campus to the Property office – but not without a quick pit stop at Crunch Café to pick up my flat white – and then back to do it all again tomorrow morning.

I’m so glad to be back into my routine after an extended period away. Being on Campus, the gym is very practical for me as I like to work out in the morning before work. The best things about it are the extended opening hours, great equipment that is maintained and updated regularly, friendly staff and coffee on the way out!

 

Check it out for yourself

MUSAC’s focus is on providing an inclusive and enjoyable space for everyone, no matter the level of ability or fitness backgrounds – and the staff are there to start (or guide) you on your health and fitness journey. As a staff member, there’s even an option to salary sacrifice your membership. So if, like Chris, you’re keen to re-establish a routine, now is the perfect time to check out their website, or drop by and visit the new facilities and equipment in person.