WASHINGTON – For years, Howard University students have been looking for a dynamic hub of fitness and community. Edited by Joma Watson, Ph.D., has made that vision a reality. As Director of Campus Recreation and Blackburn Center Operations, he transformed the Pulse Fitness Center into a modern gym that now attracts hundreds of students.
Watson said he knew the space needed to evolve to meet the diverse needs of the campus community.
“It was just a white room, and now we’re creating a multipurpose environment,” he said. “At Blackburn and the Office of Student Affairs, we are excited to offer an excellent fitness environment to our campus community.”
Business hours are from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday, on non-sports day days.
The $200,000 renovation is primarily focused on installing new equipment and clearing out the floor layout, which was previously filled with endless rows of treadmills. To ensure the redesign met student needs, Watson said he worked with the Howard University Student Association. The main request fulfilled was the purchase of a squat rack and platform.
Watson said the next step in the gym’s evolution is to accommodate students’ requests for extra hours. Currently, gym space is shared with Academic Programming and ROTC. Gym hours are Monday through Friday, 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, on non-sports day days.
The redesigned space more accurately reflects Howard’s branding and ethos. The renovation introduces graphics and a new color scheme to create a modern gym feel while incorporating elements to match the lower basketball and volleyball courts in the bar.
“This is all still Howard,” he emphasized, making sure the design felt consistent with the university’s athletic identity.
Students actively utilize the space. Akunna Nyaku, a freshman civil engineering student from Houston, said she was excited to use the new weightlifting equipment.
“I’ve been here and I think it’s a great space,” said Njaku, who has a background in track and field. He recently wants to focus on training his arms and upper body.
Glenn Vinson, vice president for student affairs at Howard University, also said he is excited to have Pulse open again. “This has been several years in the making, and it’s great to see it come to fruition,” he said.
Vinson recalled his own experiences as a student-athlete, noting how Pulse was a place for personal growth and networking.
“This space is more than just training,” he said. “That’s where friendships and futures are built. It’s a place for mind, body and spirit.”
Photo: Joma Watson, Director of Campus Recreation and Blackburn Center Operations.
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