Bring free towels back to Fieldhouse work-out room

By Brooklynne Devey

October 3, 2007 | On Aug. 27, 2007, students were eager to arrive at Utah State University. Utah State's Fieldhouse has always been quite a popular outlet for students to work out at. Many came into the Fieldhouse ready to begin their workout programs for the fall semester, many with high physical goals that they wished to obtain. The workout equipment was prepared to be used.

Only there was one important thing missing. Students entered the gym, hopped on their machines to begin their workouts. To their surprise, there were not towels provided from the Fieldhouse. Whereas, in years prior towels have always been provided for the students to use.

Many students have a strong opinion that when you are working out the usage of a towel is a must. You always end up perspiring like crazy -- that is, if you are one to work out at the gym and to not just check out the opposite sex. Another great benefit for using a towel is, that most students agree, that when you are using the treadmill, you don't like to watch your reading on the treadmill for your distance or time. You need a towel to cover it up. It's better that way so your mind can be more focused on your energy expenditure and not your time and distance.

To much dismay, there are towels provided but for the cost of 50 cents. Our university is getting cheaper. What is our tuition paying for? There are funds allocated towards the using of the Fieldhouse. So now most students have to succumb to using their own shirts as towels. It's very inconvenient. What are the reasons behind all of this?

Students at Utah State University claim that there must be a stop to this. It's a fact that exercising releases endorphins to the brain which provides students with more happiness. Exercising is a stress reliever. It contributes to feeling and looking great. Studies have shown that the more university students work out, the more their grades improve.

Paying for a membership at any other physical facility elsewhere would provide students with full resources to having a great workout. Should our University not be required to having these benefits? Upon interviewing many students state "I don't understand why towels must cost money to use? Is this really necessary?" Another student went on to say "Why did aerobics classes discontinue as well in the field house?"

May we as a University stand up to our rights we have. Let's make life easier on ourselves and propose for the usage of towels to return in Utah State University Fieldhouse. Why should we not have this right?

NW
RB