One of the most popular and practical resources that UMass Boston students and faculty have access to is the Beacon Fitness center, located in the McCormack building. A great feature of this gym is the absence of a membership fee for UMass Boston’s students and faculty. On top of that, many students would agree that this gym has provided the necessary tools and equipment in order to stay fit. It is easily accessible to all who would like to exercise in between classes, or need a break from the books.

Recently, a few rumors have been passed along the grapevine. Many students believe that new equipment has been added to the center, which is true. However, the additions began last year when the Beacon Fitness Center replaced five treadmills, five elliptical trainers, six stationary bikes, and 14 strength machines.


According to the director of the Intramural Sports department, Chris Fitzgerald, “This year, the Beacon Fitness Center replaced all of its free weight equipment, including two flat benches, an incline bench, decline bench, five movable benches, one preacher curl, one Smith machine, and one Power rack.”

After a while, as the fitness equipment that we use starts to wear down, new and innovative machines are developed. With the fitness center’s embellishments, the students and faculty have access to state-of-the-art equipment. A third year student, James Lee, said, “I prefer the Beacon Fitness Center because it has more and better machines than other gyms; also it’s a better environment. I feel motivated there.”

There is no better place to exercise in than a gym you want to visit all the time. In comparison to other fitness centers, for example Harbor Point’s private gym, the Beacon Fitness Center is double the size, and has more training and exercise machines, including these newer ones.

Fitzgerald said, “In the next few weeks we will be replacing all of the weight plates and bars in the free weight section.”

It seems the fitness center is not done with its improvements, and the road to creating a state-of-the-art gym for the community is well under way.