minutia: what are the gym(s) like?

[Anonymous]

Howdy all… I’m a newbie in every since of the word, hoping to make it onto the ice for the 2008-09 season. Since I don’t have any practical questions to ask at this point – I thought I’d inquire about some of the smaller details regarding life at McMurdo and/or the pole.

In my spare time I do like to do some serious weight training. I was wondering if someone could clue me in regarding the type of gym facilities available at either base. In particular, is there space to do heavy (free-weight) training?

I’m sure I could find a way to make a routine work regardless of what they’ve got – but I haven’t seen any specifics about the gym facilities so I thought I’d ask.

Cheers.

[m0loch]

I don’t hang out too much in the weight gym @ McMurdo, but if memory serves me, and I can check tomorrow or something, the short answer is yes, there is adequate space and equipment for training with free weights. I can’t speak too much for pole, only spent a few days there, but I was impressed with the fitness facility there.

[Anonymous]

Hi m0loch, thanks for the reply. My needs are pretty basic, but sometimes space is an issue. If they’ve got space/equipment to do the 3 main lifts (bench, deadlifts, and squats) I’d be really happy… however, I can make do with just about anything. I recognize that my time/motivation may go down significantly once I’m on the ice… but I’d like to try and maintain my regime while there. Cheers.

[Anonymous]

Pole has a nice brand new workout area some of us call “The Mezz” (short for mezzanine … not original I know) in the new station. During summer, there’s a more sweaty steroid junkie style weight gym in summer camp. One thing, there’s no squat rack in the new station for various reasons, valid or not. But there are free weights, machine systems and plenty of aerobic machines (treadmills … at least when the doc isn’t hogging it, eliptical machine, bikes and a rowing machine).

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the reply groovesoop. No squat rack eh? That’s unfortunate, but I suppose not unexpected. I’d like to hear what some of those reasons (valid or not), but only because it sounds like there’s some history there.

“Steroid junkie style” in summer?… does that mean that’s when the big boys come out to play? I’m no monster, but it is nice to have some other people lifting heavy weights for advice, assistance and just general motivation.

[Anonymous]

yeah, I guess you could say the “big boys” … no squat rack because there’s disagreement about whether the floor can hold the extra weight and also, it’s not very big up there for all the gear that’s already there. I think this is one to be sorted out each season. For now the rack is in summer camp only, but that is closed in the winter, so the debate is just for the winter.

[skua77]

Groovesoup didn’t mention the 12,000 foot groomed running/nordic skiing track at Pole. Aircraft use it during the day, but it may be sometimes available during off hours. I’ve logged a couple thousand miles on it over the years.

[Author]

Posts