Harper College will be closed Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day.
Life Fitness/Hammer Strength, a global leader in commercial fitness, and Harper College have announced a multi-year innovation partnership that includes the latest fitness equipment as well as an immersive learning environment and research opportunities for members of the Harper community.
Harper College’s Foglia Foundation Health and Recreation Center, managed by CENTERS, is now outfitted with more than 50 new products, including a full suite of cardio equipment and Insignia Series selectorized strength equipment with the Life Fitness Connect System. Members can also work out with a wide variety of strength accessories, including dumbbells, kettlebells, medicine balls, plyometric boxes and more. Additionally, members will have free access to digital fitness resources, including the Connect App and Trainer Connect, where they can track their progress, receive coaching and guidance, follow personalized training plans and exercise with on-demand instructor-led workouts.
As part of the agreement, Harper has provided Life Fitness/Hammer Strength with space for a new Performance Insights Lab. The lab will be managed by Life Fitness/Hammer Strength team members. It will serve as an extension of the company’s new Nieto-Jones Innovation Center, which is located less than two miles from the college. The center is designed to foster innovation and further drive new product development.
Harper students, faculty and staff will have opportunities to participate in field testing, product development, biomechanics studies and exerciser feedback programs. The partnership includes joint initiatives with the kinesiology, engineering, business and marketing departments for interactive, real-world experiences and direct engagement with Life Fitness/Hammer Strength cross-functional teams.
“This partnership exemplifies Harper College’s commitment to connecting industry innovation with community impact,” said Dr. Avis Proctor, president of Harper College. “Together with Life Fitness/Hammer Strength, we are expanding opportunities for our students to engage in hands-on learning and research while promoting health, wellness and fitness for our entire community.”
“As we planned our new Nieto-Jones Innovation Center, we looked for a strategic partnership that would not only expand our innovation network but also allow us to further engage with our new business community and deepen our local impact,” said Dan Wille, chief product officer, Life Fitness/Hammer Strength. “Harper College has proven to be an excellent partner. Together, we’ll be creating new possibilities for their students, their faculty, Health and Recreation Center members and the greater Harper community.”
“Our role at CENTERS is to help Harper maximize the value of its partnerships,” said Julie Bearden, director of CENTERS at Harper College. “This collaboration with Life Fitness/Hammer Strength enhances the CENTERS’ capabilities and ensures that the investment translates into long-term success.”
By combining industry-leading expertise with a commitment to student success and community well-being, the Life Fitness/Hammer Strength and Harper College partnership is poised to deliver lasting benefits on campus, in the gym and beyond.