Spring has officially started, despite the weather’s objections, and many BYU-Idaho students are ready to get in shape.

When looking to sweat off the pounds, most students automatically head to the John W. Hart Building. There is, however, another large gym in town for students to consider. World Gym, at 730 W. 7th South, has been in business for one-and-a half-years.

World Gym owner Brian Ball said he estimates about 400-500 BYU-I students, mostly married couples, use World Gym regularly.

With 20,000 square feet of interior space, World Gym has 50 pieces of cardiovascular equipment (treadmills, stair-steppers, arc trackers, etc.), a large selection of free-weights, cable equipment, tanning booths, a racquetball court, a child-care facility, certified personal trainers and equipment to run metabolism tests.

The Hart Building, meanwhile, has about 80 cardiovascular machines, a 25-meter swimming pool, an approximately 3,400 square-foot free-weights area, an indoor track, a fitness/dance room, racquetball courts and three basketball courts. Aerobics classes are offered daily and the Wellness Center, on the bottom floor of the Hart Building, performs fitness evaluations. Personal trainers are also on staff at the Hart’s Fitness Center.

Even with the discounted student rate of $25 a month to attend the World Gym, it might appear that, for BYU-I students, the Hart Building wins the comparison. It’s important to consider though, that about 3600 students use the Hart’s Fitness Center in a week (including classes) according to Leon Anderson, Fitness and Hart Building Manager.

Ball said he believes students are attracted to World Gym because scheduling conflicts and congestion aren’t nearly the issue they can be in the Hart Building.

World Gym is looking toward a possible expansion this summer. With construction of the addition to the Hart Building on hold and BYU-I expecting an increasing number of students, it seems that both facilities will have a role to play when students decide to get in shape.