The air at UF's campus gyms is now filled with more than just the scent of students' sweat, thanks to newly installed wireless Internet.
The Internet routers are installed at Southwest Recreation Center and the Student Recreation and Fitness Center, as well as the Southwest Rec softball complex, said David Bowles, director of Recreational Sports.
Bowles said making wireless Internet available to students might make them more interested in coming to the gym.
He said being able to check e-mails or do homework before or after workouts will help students save time during the day.
The wireless Internet was installed over the last few weeks and did not cost UF any extra money because it was installed at the same time as a new Internet-based phone system, said David Stopka, UF's associate director for facility operations.
Students can store their laptops in gym lockers, Bowles said.
Included in the upcoming renovations of Southwest Rec, which are scheduled to be completed by spring 2011, are plans to add more "social space," which will make it easier for students to use the Internet, he said.
Other planned renovations include adding elliptical machines that generate electricity when used and increasing the number of treadmills.
Bowles said students involved in intramural sports can check their teams' schedules online and communicate with teammates while at the fields.
Mark Fike, a UF physical therapy graduate student, said wireless Internet at the gym is a great idea.
Fike said he will probably use it after working out during his cool-down period before heading to class.
Other students were more skeptical.
"I would rather have better Wi-Fi at the dorms," said Sarah Arrazola, a UF freshman. "It just seems kind of pointless for a gym."
Freshman Kara Brock agreed.
"I use the gym to get away from the computer," Brock said.
