More Than Just a Workout: Life Behind the Front Desk

Weight room

When I entered the Bloomsburg University weight room, the first thing I noticed was how much was happening around the front desk. Lifting belts, basketballs, rock-climbing equipment, and other items were stored behind the desk. Students walked in carrying water bottles, gym bags, and towels while others waited for equipment to become available. Although the front desk may look like a simple place to check in, the employees have many responsibilities. They help students find equipment, answer questions, keep the facility organized, and handle problems when supervisors or graduate assistants are unavailable.

Dilon Gregory, a student at commonwealth university, working at the weight room started because of his friends. A couple of his friends already worked there, which encouraged him to apply. He described the position as similar to a work-study job because he can sometimes complete schoolwork during his shift. When I asked if I could interview him, he immediately responded, "Of course, man!" and stopped working on his assignment. He then helped organize equipment and checked on things around the front desk while answering my questions. This showed me that employees have to switch between schoolwork and their responsibilities throughout their shifts. He explained that concentrating on assignments can be difficult because the weight room is not a quiet environment. However, his coworkers help when he has a lot of schoolwork. If he needs extra time to focus, another employee may cover his responsibilities. This support is one of the reasons he enjoys working there.

The weight room becomes especially busy between about 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., when students finish classes and head to the gym. During my visit, the facility was crowded. Students waited for machines to become available, and some shared equipment between sets. The sounds of weights being placed down, conversations, and music filled the room. Employees stayed at the front desk while answering questions and providing equipment. New students sometimes asked questions such as, "What does this machine do?" or "Can you show me how to use this?" Employees help explain the equipment and show students how to use it. The crowded atmosphere also explains why Dilon would like to see more workout space added to the facility.

The weight room is also more social than it may seem. According to Dilon, approximately 2,000 students enter and leave the facility each day. During my visit, I saw friends talking, students helping one another, and people working out together. Dilon told me about one student he met during the student's junior year. The student was thin at the time but continued training and sharing his progress with Dilon. By his senior year, he had worked his way up to bench-pressing 400 pounds. Seeing that progress showed the employee how much someone can accomplish through consistency and dedication.

The front desk employees do much more than check students into the gym. They answer questions, provide equipment, maintain the facility, solve problems, and support each other. The busy atmosphere, constant questions, and stories of students making progress show that the weight room is more than a place to exercise. For the employees, it is also a workplace and a social environment where they get to interact with students and watch them work toward their goals.