Helen Newman Fitness Center

Has more cardio machine than weight training machine

Current freshman at Cornell, been going to the gym 5-6 days a week since I’ve come here in late August. I’ve been slightly displeased overall with this gym, but didn’t decide to write a review until now. As of right now: -2 cable machines are broken (btw, the only 2 on the entirety of North Campus) - the leg extension is broken - the seated hamstring curl is broken - 60 pound dumbbell is missing (how does that even happen) - hip abduction machine is broken - assisted pull up is broken - 3 cardio machines broken Also, the leg press was broken at one point and took weeks to fix. They take so long to fix the machines (or just don’t fix them at all) in this gym so I’ve basically stopped using them in workouts just because I can’t ever rely on them being available. Even if nothing was broken, this gym is still mediocre at best. The design looks something like someone would have in their basement. Personally, I don’t mind care about the aesthetic, but it’s also always crowded and there is not enough equipment for the amount of people that work out there. Often there’s 2-3 people working on one machines/squat racks/bench and you basically have to wait in a line if you want to do any cable machine work. Overall, I’ve been very disappointed with this gym, having paid $150 to Cornell for broken machines and lackluster equipment. It’s one of the only two on North Campus (the only two that are reasonably convenient for me), the other of which is basically all free weights. If you have any way to get to a gym off campus or another one on campus I would recommend doing so.

The weightlifting options are somewhat restricted here, e.g., no deadlifting, only one bench and only 2 Squat racks. Other than that good availability of dumbells, cables and machines. Longer opening hours is good. Close to North-East campus. Good views.