Fitness Center Information

• Amenities

  There are several technological advances and services that the Center provides for its participants. You may check out a pedometer to calculate how many miles you have walked. Heart rate monitors may also be checked out. Most of our cardio equipment are Polar compatible. Bring your own water bottle and enjoy our reverse osmosis drinking water. You may watch and listen to 60 satellite TV channels and 14 local stations. You need your own headset to listen to your program. Our weather station provides timely outdoor weather conditions.

  Heart Rate Monitors

  Participants may check out a heart rate monitor at the counter free of charge, and a staff member will calculate your heart rate. You must buy your own strap for $5, also available at the counter. Strive to keep your heart rate between the minimum and target value.

  Target Heart Rates (THR)

  Joliet Junior College Total Fitness Center instructors and personal trainers calculate THR's for healthy individuals using the following Karvonen formula: 220 minus your age minus your resting HR times an intensity level (.5-.85) plus your resting HR. Use the following intensity levels: beginners (.5-.6); intermediate exercisers (.7-.75); and competitive athletics (.85).

  For example, Joe Fitness is a 30 year old intermediate exerciser with a resting HR of 75. His THR is calculated as follows: {[(220-30-75)]*.7}+75=155.

  If your doctor has prescribed a beta blocker, ask your doctor for your target heart rate or use the Borg Scale (Rating of Perceived Exertion) that is posted in the Center. For more information on THR, please contact your Total Fitness Center Manual, pages 2-4 to 2-9.

  Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water

  REMEMBER do not let your bottle touch the water spout! The water being filtered if from the City of Joliet. Our RO system has three filters:

  1. A sediment pre-filter
     Reduces extra-fine dirt, silt, sand, rust particles, and scale particles
  2. RO membrane
     Reduces the dissolved mineral content of the water
  3. Post carbon filter
     Removes odors, taste, and chlorine

  
  Satellite TV/local channels

  We receive 60 satellite stations in addition to 15 local channels. If a program is aired with closed captions, our TVs will broadcast the closed captions.

  Weather Station

  Our weather station is installed on the roof of the gymnasium. Information can be obtained at the weather console below the clock by the Center's counter. The following data can be obtained:

  • Indoor/outdoor temperature
  • Wind speed and direction
  • Wind chill
  • Heat stress (temperature, sun and humidity index)
  • Barometric pressure
  • Rain measurement
  • Outdoor/indoor humidity
  • Solar radiation (sun)

• Using the Circuit

  A combination of weight machines and stationary bicycles are used in the Aerobic Circuit to provide large muscle activity.

  Doing a circuit consists of alternately using weight machines and bicycles. If you start on a bicycle, your next station will be a weight machine. If you start on a weight machine, your next station will be a bicycle. Be sure to follow the circuit in the correct order from west to east or machine 1, 2,....12. Thirty seconds are spent on each station with 15 seconds allowed to change stations. When you change stations, you will have to set your weight and adjust the machine as necessary.

  However, during your first three visits you may feel rushed; if you can only do a few repetitions, that is fine. Rotate with the recording. Remember to wipe off the upholstery with your towel after using each machine. By the fourth visit, you will be able to rotate and make adjustments during the 15 seconds.

  If you have not been exercising on a regular basis, start with doing only one circuit. As your condition and strength improve, you will want gradually to extend the number of circuits to two or start by doing a body parts routine or spending more time on the cardio equipment. Even if you are in excellent condition, you are advised to limit your number of circuits to a maximum of three.

  Fast Facts

  • The circuit consists of 12 weight machines (numbered 1-12), and 11 stationary bicycles (numbered 50), which are located directly across from the machines.
  • It takes 17 minutes to complete one circuit.
  • All the machines in the circuit have purple upholstery.
  • The direction of movement on the circuit is west to east.

• Walk the Trails

  Joliet Junior College and the Will County Forest Preserve have trails through JJC's property. You will see wildlife including deer, oaks, and wildflowers.