The Fitness Center is the school gym at the Preuss School of UC San Diego located at the far end of the school near the garden. It contains equipment for EHS classes, sports teams such as basketball and volleyball, and for students who want to work out. However, many years of the same equipment leave students questioning if the school equipment is efficient enough to be safe. 

Students who usually use the fitness center notice the importance to safety with the equipment quality due to its deterioration.

“Some of the weights are super rusty and I do not like the smell,” said Gavin Butcher (‘30). “I’ve also seen people leave dumbbells on the floor, and one time, someone tripped over it.” 

An overall theme of the fitness center is that broken or poorly maintained equipment is a problem. 

“One time, a dusty weight fell off a bar and fell on someone’s foot,” she recalled. “It’s scary because you can get injured if equipment is not maintained the right way.” Alyssa De Los Santos (‘30)

According to Mr. Brazelton, physical education teacher and Varsity lacrosse coach, there is a lot involved when it comes to getting and maintaining the equipment. 

“We get equipment from a variety of sources, sometimes it’s donated, sometimes we buy it,” Mr. Brazelton explained.  “Equipment can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands.” 

Keeping the fitness center as a safe environment is not always easy.

“Equipment wears off over time, especially when it’s out in the sun everyday,” Mr. Brazelton explained. “We have been asking for a second sail cover for more shade and to keep equipment in good condition but it’s something administration gives very little attention to.” 

Maintaining a safe fitness center requires effort from both students and administration. As Mr. Brazelton mentioned, improvements like additional shade to protect equipment are needed but have not received enough attention.