There are countless days we, as college students, saunter with glazed over eyes, passing the tucked away Sullivan Fitness complex on our way to Payson Smith. In Gorham too, we slowly drive by the Costello Sports complex without notice. Too angry in our scavenger state, prowling around for those lacking parking spaces to care about working out. It’s in those tired, groggy days and with the aggravated tension boiling up within us that both of these complexes truly shine.
The Costello and Sullivan Complexes are more than simple gyms with a couple of cardio pin machines and a basketball court. The university has done well providing our students, staff and surrounding community with superb facilities for athletic training and fitness. Sports medicine majors develop potential in fitness training through programs that offer their expertise with private lessons and detailed health reports for USM students, arming future trainers with real-life experience..
The fitness centers on both campuses offer a wide array of cardiovascular and strength training. Over 32 pieces of cardiovascular equipment are located throughout both centers, including elliptical cross trainers, treadmills and steppers. A full selection of pin weights and plate-loaded circuits are available in addition to a free weight section, offering Olympic bars and benches. Standing on raised wooden floors, surrounded by mirrors, you can partake in any of the several fitness programs offered at both gyms. There is no doubt as to how fulfilling these facilities are in their purpose. The equipment is clean and usually unoccupied and even if it is, you have someone to talk with.
Both of these facilities hold two gymnasiums: The Hill Gymnasium and Field House are within Costello in Gorham, and the Main Gym and Lifeline Center at Sullivan in Portland. Hill houses the primary basketball facility and bleeds into the massive Field House across the lobby on the right as you walk in. Featuring basketball and tennis courts, a 200 meter six lane track with cross training equipment, and baseball and softball practice areas, the Field House is overwhelming. Portland’s main gym is toned down from Costello but also provides basketball and tennis courts in addition to a perfect opportunity for the Lifeline program participants to work out in.
Both Costello and Sullivan offer their own unique facilities to students. Sharing the fitness centers as the heart of the gym, they branch off, each holding something the other doesn’t. Sullivan is smaller than its brother Costello but offers three racquetball courts which can be converted to play Wally ball. Sullivan holds the only Olympic size ice arena in the state, open for practice hours, broomball and even open ice hours to sift around upon.
Whether students and members want to throw a Frisbee around within the Field House or ensue in a game of rough racquetball, USM has thoroughly provided healthy outlets and the fruits of proper physical exercise.