La Sierra athletics gets upgrade with new fitness center, gym flooring

The fitness center was built by Swinerton and designed by NAC Architecture, a West Coast-based firm that specializes in designing environments for the education and healthcare industries and other sectors. In addition to its picture windows that provide peaceful views of towering palms, pines, flowering shrubbery, and other flora and fauna, La Sierra’s fitness center features large screen television monitors where exercisers can view sports broadcasts and stock market activity. The space was designed and setup for use around La Sierra’s Health and Exercise Science classes. The athletics department also purchased several new items for the center including new treadmills, elliptical trainers, dumbbells, and new weight benches. 

“The construction of a new fitness center and the replacement of our gym floor are important steps in aligning our athletics department with the overarching goal of fostering student and community development.” -- Javier Krumm, Athletics Director

Funding for the construction of the new center derived from university debt refinancing in 2019 that secured an additional $3 million at low interest rates. Because the funding was tax-exempt, it needed to be used on a capital project. A campus-wide poll was conducted and an overwhelming majority of respondents voted that the funds should be used to construct a new fitness center.

The La Sierra University Board of Trustees voted to approve the project and authorized an additional $1 million in order to build the 5,000-square-foot building.

“It is very gratifying to drive on Heritage Way at night and see through the lit windows the energy and excitement of students exercising and enjoying this new facility,” said La Sierra University Chief Financial Officer David Geriguis.

The La Sierra University Fitness Center is open for use by community members who may purchase passes to the facility. A local Riverside fire station also regularly uses the center as a training site for its firefighters.

“The new fitness center is a great addition to the university’s campus,” said senior marketing and Art+Design major Aaron Desjardins. “It’s nice and spacious and the natural light is definitely a plus. I use it three to four times a week and it’s always an enjoyable experience.”

“At the core of our educational philosophy is the promotion of integral development for our students, encompassing physical, mental, social, and spiritual facets of growth,” said Krumm. “La Sierra University Athletics looks forward to the positive impact these improvements will have on our campus, contributing to the overall flourishing of our students and the surrounding community."