New sports center brings additional options to Pitt

As fall slowly approaches and tank tops and shorts are put away in the closet, students… As fall slowly approaches and tank tops and shorts are put away in the closet, students might be going to the gym to do more than just look good.

With a new gym in Oakland, a few blocks from the Petersen Events Center, students have a new place to go if they want to keep in shape.

Here on campus, the Petersen Events Center caters to students’ needs. Equipped with everything from cardio machines and free weights to a food court, students can hit the gym right after classes.”It’s a good way to relax,” Darah Richardson, a Pitt junior who often goes to the gym to use the bikes and elliptic machines, said.

In addition to her workout, Richardson goes to the center for some of her classes this semester, weight training and personal fitness.

But the new gym in town, Three Rivers Fitness ‘ Sports Medicine Center, has opened its doors to the Oakland community. Along with the amenities present in many fitness centers, such as treadmills, bikes and steppers, this center has a little more.

They hope their mission statement, “Health and Fitness Facilitation through Sports Medicine Integration,” shows they are not simply another gym around the block, but a place that provides members with access to personnel who can help prevent and manage orthopedic injuries and illnesses.

Pitt graduates Kurt Fowler, Aaron Finer and Rob Heaps used their individual expertise to create the gym, which integrates sports medicine and physical fitness.

“It’s really about education,” Finer said.

He added that they employ heath care professionals, licensed sports therapists and certified strength and conditioning specialists. Workers at the center plan to educate members about appropriate fitness techniques, and help manage old injuries caused by active lifestyles.

“We want an open community,” Fowler said. “A place that makes people feel comfortable, for everyone and to all ages.”

The new gym targets the Oakland professional community and students in the area.

Along with therapists and fitness machines, Three Rivers Fitness also offers tanning beds and a nursery for children whose parents are working out.

If walking to the new gym is too much of a workout, there is free parking available across the street.

Since the first few visits are free for Pitt students, they can tie up their sneakers and walk in to check out the gym located at 3216 Fifth Ave., or attend the Three Rivers Fitness’ grand opening celebration on Oct. 4.

After the initial trial membership, non-students must pay a $150 fee to join the gym. Students, however, have the membership fee waived and pay $225 per term.

Pitt and UPMC faculty and staff pay $45 to join and $50 a month.