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Workouts get a little safer at Durango recreation center

Dalton Millonzi of Durango tries a new weight machine installed last week at the Durango Community Recreation Center. New weight machines replace outdated and worn-out equipment from 2002.

The Durango Community Recreation Center installed about 40 new workout stations while they were closed for annual maintenance last week.

Today was the first day the new weight machines and free weights were available to the public on the second floor of the rec center.

“It’s like a new gym,” said Cathy Metz, director of Durango Parks & Recreation.

The rec center has been replacing cardiovascular machines like treadmills and stair machines on an as-needed basis. But since the rec center opened in 2002, no new weight machines had been purchased, and they were showing signs of obvious wear. About 1,000 people a day visit the rec center, Metz said.

When machines needed repairs like new cables or pins, the rec center would have to wait for months because the old machines were no longer being made by the manufacturer, Kelli Jaycox said, recreation manager for Parks & Recreation.

Rec center regular Rob Coln said he noticed that he was able to lift more weight Monday morning because there was less resistance from the cables.

“It’s a lot smoother,” Coln said.

The rec center spent about $177,000 on the new gadgets and went with Cybex machines again because Metz said she felt the company is still the industry leader. The rec center traded in the old equipment to Cybex. The company refurbishes old equipment and provides it to schools, she said.

Many of the new machines function differently. For example, users of the leg press now push their body away from a platform. On the old press, users remained stationary and pushed the platform with their legs.

Regular Rachel Gilpin said it seemed many of the machines seemed less likely to cause injury.

“Medical science has dictated they need to change,” she said.

The rec center had staff members on hand as soon as the gym opened Monday to help customers use the new equipment. They planned to have extra staff available to help until Sept. 25. Customers also can make an appointment for help with the machines that is free with admission.

mshinn@durangoherald.com



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