FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Columbia University Becomes a TRUE Believer
O'Fallon, MO- October 15, 2001
About a month after the new TRUE Fitness equipment was installed
at Columbia University's Dodge Physical Fitness Center, something
unusual began to happen: A lot more people started asking for
training and others began thanking the center's staff.
"Some of them told me that they were in the best shape of
their lives," said Amber Hutton a trainer at the gym.
TRUE Fitness Technology, Inc. is the designer and manufacturer
of the equipment and their Northeast Regional Manager, Dave
Whitman and TRUE Fitness dealer, Phil Vendetti recently installed
their products as part of the center's refurbishment.
The company has an obsession with quality. This has made it
one of America's most respected treadmill manufacturers. Over
the years, TRUE has designed, developed and fabricated new
and cutting-edge components for its line, including innovative
frame and suspension systems.
Kitty Reese, the Fitness Center's supervisor said, she has
been involved in physical fitness almost her entire life. " I've
had four knee surgeries so I have an appreciation for the extra
cushioning and wide belts on the TRUE treadmills. I used to
run, and I find more support with the wider belt."
She is referring to TRUE's S.O.F. T. System. It is the most
advanced shock-absorbing system available in treadmills. It
cushions the initial impact and then transitions to a firm,
secure surface for push-off, which provides lateral stability
throughout, and eliminates deck shift from side to side. The
benefits are less wear on the treadmill and less stress on
the ankles, knees, hips and back, making it ideal for everyday
workouts as well as rehabilitation.
"Other comments from users are they like the design and color,
and we've had a lot of comments about the wider belt being
nicer," Reese said. "It seems that there are more people asking
for training because they want to use the new machines. I really
appreciate the way TRUE is constantly working on ways to keep
in step with advanced technology in their product lines. I'm
very happy with the new TRUE equipment especially the Cruise
Control feature; I think that is really important."
Cruise Control allows users to move automatically from any
program into Heart Rate Control by pressing just one key so
there's no break in their pace or rhythm. The equipment automatically
adjusts speed and or grade to bring users to, and keep them
at their selected target heart rate.
Reese, who works with clients, said she also likes TRUE's
new TNT (TRUE Natural Trainer) for their workouts. Natural
arm and leg movements power the TNT. Users can adjust resistance
to create the workout level and incline they desire.
"It's actually a no-nonsense, non- motorized treadmill with
arm levers that work out your upper body, too. I've been working
with clients using this piece of machinery and I think it's
giving them a better workout because they have to expend real
effort to keep the TNT moving. There are elevation and resistance
controls built right into the handles so you can control the
intensity of your workout easily."
The new Dodge Physical Fitness Center is a multipurpose facility
utilized by Columbia University students, faculty, administration,
staff, alumni, their families, and members from affiliated
schools and organized community groups. The Center is open
seven days per week for more than 100 hours.
"We have an open door policy," Hutton said. "About 3,000 people
come to this building a day and out of those, 1,000 use our
equipment a day. I also like the TRUE representatives. They
made a commitment to us and are standing by it. They are always
helpful with any concerns we may have. We've received a lot
of compliments and positive feedback about the equipment, and
we seem to be a lot busier."
On August 22 of this year Whitman, along with Vendetti of
Gym Source, a TRUE Fitness dealer, oversaw the installation
of 36 pieces of new equipment in the center.
"We did everything we could to accommodate our customer and
to keep the facility down-time to a minimum," Whitman said. "The
equipment was pre-assembled, brought over to the school and
rolled into place. We had only one day of shut-down for a complete
change of equipment."
The installation included eight treadmills, twenty recumbent
bikes, four elliptical trainers and two TRUE Natural Trainers,
or TNT's as users and people in the business refer to them.
Intensive quality control standards guarantee excellence in
every phase of production, resulting in the finest treadmills
and exercise bikes available. These standards pay off in smoothness,
quietness and softness incorporated into every workout.
Bill Ebner manager of the fitness center said he and Reese,
were involved in purchasing the equipment for the school.
"We've had it about a month now and it seems to be very responsive
to our heavy usage. It is used about 105 hours per week. All
the feedback I've received has been positive. The treadmill's
wider belt is better fitted for heavy use," Ebner said.
He said the bikes are much heavier so there is less movement
for a heavier person. For the amount of usage it gets, its
performance has been excellent.
"We really put a lot of time into planning, and tried to order
the equipment based on student need and usage. I'm happy with
the results," Ebner said.
Whitman said he believes some of the key elements are the
width of the treadmills running surface, the cruise control
features for interactive heart rate and the ample warranty
that accompanies every piece of equipment TRUE sells.
"We offer good quality at a good price. We're not the highest,
not the lowest, but reasonably priced. The equipment is fundamentally
sound and we offer a generous package warranty," Whitman said.
And because the center gets so much strenuous use, TRUE outfitted
it with spare-parts to keep on hand so down-time is decreased
when equipment needs servicing. The equipment is user friendly
and uses common displays to cut down on the learning curve.
"We offer training once a quarter to the physical education
staff, "Whitman said.
Reese and Ebner went to the TRUE factory while they were deciding
which pieces they wanted and how many they would need.
"It was extremely helpful to go out to the factory and watch
the assembly lines and actually see the equipment being made," Reese
said. "Besides
coordinating the physical training program, I'm in charge of
maintenance and service so it's a plus for me to be able to
see how the equipment is put together."
Columbia University, located in New York City on Manhattan's
Upper West Side, is one of the world's leading institutions
of higher education and research. Founded as King's College
in 1754 and a member of the Ivy League since its inception
in 1956, Columbia today comprises 16 undergraduate, graduate
and professional schools.
Columbia's historic main campus consists of 71 buildings on
36 acres and was originally designed by the architectural firm
of McKim, Mead and White. While the fitness center involved
some renovation, its building maintains its historical significance
down to the original wood pillars.
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