(October 26, 2001) — Want to shed those last few summer pounds but think that dieting is too difficult? Or do you just want to tone up those muscles but the gym is so far away? All excuses aside, the solution is right under your nose! Clark’s newly opened fitness room offers students a chance to stay active with some of the best exercise equipment around. One of the school’s original goals, the completed fitness room, said to be the “best in the district,” is right next to the gym in room 3113. According to PE teacher Chris Axelgard, the fitness room is available to any student who is interested in getting in shape. “It is for anyone with any skill level to get a good workout,” explains Axelgard. The fitness room consists of ten stationary bicycles, two rowing machines, a Stairmaster, free weights and a universal machine that provides several different types of workouts. While PE students will get a chance to use the room during class, juniors and seniors who don’t have PE can also reserve workout time in the “Passport to Fitness” program. Divided into two groups of up to 50, students choose to meet on odd or even days and design their own exercise program after an introduction and demonstration for each piece of equipment in the room. Since “Passport to Fitness” meets only during tutorial, students will have to attend every session in order to experience the full benefits of the program, according to PE teacher Judy Thomsen. The program runs on a quarterly basis, which means that sign-ups are held four times throughout the year. Students who signed up for the program say they are looking forward to the daily workouts. Sophomore Erik Ginn said he is there to “get stronger” and wants to follow up in his junior and senior years. Junior Rebecca Stuart was “really happy to hear about it. As a junior without PE, it’s hart to find time to exercise when it’s not required for a class.”