The Boothbay Region YMCA recently replaced its cardio room's equipment with 19 brand-new machines from Matrix. These include new treadmills, steppers, ellipticals, ascent trainers, regular and recumbent bikes and rowing machines.

The new Matrix equipment in the cardio room has major improvements over the old machines. All machines are built with a more open design, allowing easier movement. Each machines is equipped with a 3-speed fan, buttons to alter incline and speed on the handlebars as well as the console, TV plug-ins, and both a USB plug-in and an Apple charging cord built in.

Every machine uses the same basic screen, which means every time you switch machines you don't have to figure out a new system, the buttons and options are all in the same places.

“The consoles are universal,” said Mary Baudo, the Wellness Director of the Y. “Except for the rowing machines.”

Baudo showed how the adjustments for the machines for varying heights and limb length are all indicated by bright orange coloring, a big improvement over the old equipment.

“Before it could be difficult to figure out how to adjust the seats,” Baudo said. “Now it's clearly indicated. Also the machines all move smoother and are easier to adjust.”

Baudo also pointed out how the new equipment is more friendly towards members who have mobility issues.

“The old recumbent bikes required you to lift your leg over the center, which isn't so easy for some members,” Baudo said. “With the new bikes you step through and don't have to twist yourself to use it. That's a big plus.”

The response to the new equipment has been very positive from members.

“It's so much smoother,” said member Cheryl Higgins. “It's smooth and quiet, and easy to use despite having more buttons than my microwave.”

There are a lot of options on the machines, including different programs and fitness tests (the treadmills even have a 5k button where runners can time themselves). For those who like it basic, just step on and press the green “Go” button.

The new equipment is not owned by the Y, but is instead being leased over a four-year period from Matrix.

“We decided to do a lease because it was much more beneficial to our members,” said Meagan Hamblett, membership, marketing and child enrichment director of the Y. “Before, when a machine broke, we had to fix it which was very costly and the machine was out of service for a while.”

The lease agreement states that if a machine breaks, the cost of Matrix repairing or replacing it is included for the first three years. The last year, any repairs are partially covered and the Y has the option to then buy the equipment or extend the lease with the same, or new, equipment.

“We went with Matrix for three main reasons,” said Andy Hamblett, executive director of the Y. Lower cost, ease of use, and all pieces being universal.”

On the horizon is a possibility of upgrade the weight rooms next.

“We upgraded the equipment because it was time to reinvest in our members,” Meagan Hamblett said. “It's important that people enjoy coming to the Y and that what we can offer is the best for our community. We hope members who haven't been to the cardio room in a while will come down and try it out, and maybe teens will start using it too.”

Much of the old equipment was used as a partial trade-in, however, there are a few machines left for sale including four rowing machines and one elliptical. Anyone interested should contact Mary Baudo at the Y, mbaudo@brymca.org or 207-633-2855.