THIBODAUX – When incoming members see the brands “Precor” and “Cybex” stamped on the brand-new, contemporary equipment in the Harold J. Callais Memorial Recreation Center at Nicholls State University, they will know they have entered a top-of-the-line facility.
“No other university in the state of Louisiana, public or private, will have as sophisticated equipment as Nicholls,” Michael Matherne, director of campus recreation, said.
The facility will feature more than 40 types of cardio equipment from Precor, including treadmills and elliptical machines. Each will also have its own touchpad viewing screen and digital interface, offering members various terrain-simulation options and music choices. Matherne said the viewing screens will act as mini marquees as well – flashing campus-recreation announcements and tips on a regular basis.
For strength training, the rec center will offer more than 35 types of equipment from Cybex, including selectorizers, plate-loaded apparatuses, power platforms, dumbbells and hand-weights.
The equipment will be fully funded via self-assessed student fees, Matherne said.
“I also want to make sure the community knows that Nicholls does not intend for this rec center to compete with any area business,” Matherne said. “Our membership policy will be rigid and exclusive, and we will adhere to it. The details of that policy are still in the works, and we will release them as soon as possible.”
Located near the intersection of Bowie Road and Ardoyne Drive, the facility is expected to open in August or September. For a live-cam construction update, go to www.nicholls.edu/recreation/photos.
Informational videos about Cybex and Precor equipment to be offered in the Nicholls rec center are available below.