Peak Performance Begins at St. Lawrence University
In 2023, St. Lawrence University reaffirmed its commitment to fitness and athletic performance by launching a dedicated Strength and Conditioning program. As part of this initiative, the university planned a new Varsity Weight Room within a section of the fitness center. With the completion of the new facility, the space was transformed into an open, inclusive training environment accessible to all students and staff. This strategic shift resolved logistical challenges such as duplicate equipment, inefficient floor layouts, and staffing limitations, ultimately enhancing the fitness experience campus-wide.
St. Lawrence initially partnered with Advantage Sport & Fitness for our reputation as a trusted, all-in-one provider of fitness and strength training equipment. Through this relationship, the university now sources a wide range of solutions from Precor treadmills, modular units, and selectorized machines commonly found in campus fitness centers to high-performance strength training tools from Power Lift, including racks, sleds, and accessories. Beyond equipment, the university values the ongoing service and support provided by Advantage. This level of care underscores our commitment to partnership, not just product, delivering genuine value without the pressure of upselling.
"Because of you, our program is not just equipped - it's ELITE."
Strength and Conditioning Coach & Fitness Center Director
Designing for the Current and Future Student Athletes
During the St. Lawrence University installation, Advantage Sport & Fitness approached this process with a deep understanding of how various spaces serve different needs. In the strength & conditioning areas, the focus was on high-functioning equipment and quantity, ensuring athletes had the tools and volume necessary for efficient group training.
In the student fitness center, the approach shifted to user preference. While modalities like weighted lunges or sprints may deliver quicker results, they’re not always approachable for every user. Including just one or two stair climbers met that demand without overcommitting to underused equipment. This balance of performance-driven choices and user focused touches reflects ASF’s commitment to creating versatile, high impact spaces.
Premium Expectations
As one of the most premium fitness facilities in the region, St. Lawrence University set high expectations for both performance and reliability. The goal was to deliver a seamless experience that reflected the caliber of the institution. Equipment needed to look modern, remain clean, and operate consistently. Connectivity was also a key priority, especially for tech-forward equipment like Peloton bikes, where full functionality depends on a strong and reliable internet connection.
Purposeful Design
Aesthetically, the design was a direct reflection of St. Lawrence University’s unwavering school pride and elevated taste, aligned with the overall campus atmosphere. From the signature scarlet and brown color palette to subtle branding touches like custom logo plates, every detail was intentionally selected to create a bold and inspiring environment for students and staff. The result is a space that feels both premium and personal, modern in function and unmistakably Laurentian in identity.
Powerful Collaboration between Design, Sales, and Service
“I would truly like to thank Mitch Clark for taking the time to make sure that we have everything we need to be successful. His vision is extraordinary, and he truly understands the equipment and how it can impact its users.
David Schlenker (our service technician) has been an outstanding personal resource for me. We have a biannual service contract where David visits the facility, tunes up our equipment, and gives me advice on the shelf-life of various pieces of equipment including whether or not to get a unit repaired or replaced. This support is incredible, and I truly feel like Advantage has our back! They aren’t just trying to upsell, they are helping us be great.
I would also like to give a shout out to Laura Schmidt whose organization is outstanding, and keeps me on track with any necessary paperwork! Its truly an amazing team you have.”
Strength and Conditioning Coach & Fitness Center Director
Building the Future of the Saints
The facility upgrades have been very well-received. After years without significant updates, the addition of a new weight room and a dedicated strength and conditioning department has had a transformative impact. These improvements have enhanced the experience for both varsity athletes and the broader fitness community. The project has also supported the development of new protocols for workout scheduling and expanded health and wellness resources for student-athletes. This marks an important step forward in supporting athletic performance and overall campus wellness. In a recent interview, Coach Lynch stated “It’s an exciting time to be a SAINT!”
Advantage Sport & Fitness is proud to be building a long-lasting partnership with St. Lawrence University. Together, we are committed to continuously providing the best equipment and solutions that support the evolving needs of their athletes and community. Our shared focus on quality, performance, and innovation ensures that the facility will remain a premier destination for fitness and athletic excellence for years to come.
