Oct. 22, 2012
Photo Gallery
Bronx, N.Y. -
It is a total transformation, from a space that years ago served beer, to a place today where Fordham University students can work on their six pack abs. The space in the McGinley Center that formerly housed the Ramskeller has been converted into the McGinley Center Fitness Center which was officially opened today. The state-of-the-art $1.9 million recreation facility was a longtime vision of Father Joseph M. McShane, president of the university.
"We have limped along for far too long without ideal workout facilities," said Fr. McShane. "When the space in the Ramskeller became available we decided to move forward with this project and give the students a facility where they have plenty of space, a space that is tripled the size of the facility in the Lombardi Center."
After a short welcome from Fr. McShane, Father Patrick Ryan, S.J., the Laurence J. McGinley Professor of Religion and Society, said a prayer and then blessed the new facility.
Fr. McShane, director of athletics David Roach, vice president of facilities Marc Valera and vice president of student affairs Jeffrey Gary, then officially opened the doors, allowing the students to enter their new workout facility. The room consists of 3,800 square feet of cardio space (Stairmasters, elliptical machines, stationary bikes) with a stretching/cool down area and a 1,100 square foot dance/group fitness studio. The facility also houses a dedicated spin cycle room, a separate free weights room and storage cubbies.
The only thing the facility still needs is a name and Fr. McShane announced at the opening that there will be a contest for Fordham students to give the space a proper name.
The facility will be managed by Sarah Longley Bickford, the coordinator of fitness and recreation for the McGinley Fitness Center. With over 16 years in the fitness industry and a BS in Exercise/Nutrition, she will manage the campus facility and organize group exercise classes. Bickford's fitness certifications include AFAA Weight Training; Group Fitness Instructor; Personal Trainer; TRX, Group Suspension Training; Mad Dogg Spinning; IM=X Pilates Reformer & Mat; Muscular Strength & Range of Movement, a chair based class for older adults, and ISCA Kickboxing Instructor. She is also certified in CPR/AED.
"The balance of fitness and nutrition in everyone's daily life is something I strive to teach," said Bickford. "I am overjoyed at the endless possibilities the new McGinley Fitness Center has for group fitness and I look forward to sharing my experience and education with the Fordham University community."
Michael Roberts, assistant director of athletics for club sports and recreation, will oversee the new McGinley Fitness Center and its staff. Prior to that, Roberts was the Coordinator of Club Sports and Intramurals, managing fourteen student-run club teams and 4500 annual intramural participants.
Before moving into administration, Roberts was a 20-year rowing coach at the college and high school levels, achieving competitive success in the states of New York, Florida and California. Roberts was a four-year oarsman at Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA where he studied American History.
"Among all the amenities included in the McGinley Fitness Center, I am most enthusiastic about a broadened group fitness program and sound nutritional support," said Roberts. "The opportunity to entice faculty, staff and alumni into participating in fitness and wellness has literally jumped off the scale."
Students and athletes using the McGinley Fitness Center are able to tap into Jeanne Molloy, a Registered Dietitian with Sodexo who is a member of the Fordham Dining Services team. She works with students to meet their nutritional needs for weight loss, weight gain, sports nutrition and food allergies or intolerances.
Molloy was on hand at the grand opening, handing out snacks (protein bars, granola, etc.) and answering any questions the students had about nutrition.
"Nutrition must be a core component of any fitness regimen," said Molloy. "The path to proper nutrition is not always clear to students and student athletes. It's a unique opportunity to provide that counsel on the spot at McGinley Fitness Center."
Molloy's extensive food and nutrition experience includes working with the USDA Child and Adult Nutrition Programs; providing individual and group counseling to diverse populations in Adult Medical Daycare, hospitals, private practice settings and previous board member of The Friends Health Connection, a non-profit organization that has a national network of health and wellness services.
For information about McGinley Fitness Center, contact Sarah Longley Bickford at 718.817.3815 or via email: sbickford@fordham.edu.
