Noting cramped spaces and lack of air conditioning, Wentzell said there are many more changes he would like to see at the MAC.

"It's not ideal, it's not air conditioned," Wentzell said. "We're actively exploring other places in the MAC to create some space so we can get that air conditioned environment."

In addition, because the new equipment is making the MAC more like a "fitness center," Wentzell said that MAC officials are going to "seriously look into" opening the MAC before 9 a.m.

"[Lengthening the hours] is something we're looking at," he said. "Right now we've always seen fit to keep the building closed until 9 [a.m.]...in order to give the janitors time to clean the building from 6 to 9," he added.

To combat other problems at the MAC, Wentzell said the athletic center plans to make October "suggestion month" at the MAC, during which time MAC users will be able to suggest further changes for the facility.

But the changes to the MAC have met with some skepticism because a few users are concerned that, with the new equipment and the opening of the MAC to all Kennedy School students, more people will use the facility.

"I definitely think it's a huge improve ment, I'm just kind of afraid it's going to draw more students," said MAC user Jill E. Nadeau, who works for the athletic department.

Wentzell agreed with this concern, noting that the MAC will most likely still be crowded during "peak hours"-the noon hour and around 5 p.m.

"Part of me is frightened that even if we had 50 [StairMasters] it wouldn't be enough," he said.

But Wentzell said that even if there are more crowds, the wait for a machine will be substantially shorter.

"You shouldn't have to wait too late, even if we do get a crunch time at noon," Wentzell said.

Raleigh Rogers, a desk monitor at the MAC agreed, saying that in his experience he has never seen more than 20 people waiting for the StairMasters.

MAC users have shown an overall enthusiasm for the new equipment.

Jennifer C. Kuhn'01 praised the new bicycles for providing a "more varied workout."

"I think it's great, the bicycles are a lot more comfortable," Kuhn said.

But Tom S. Lee, who works in the Office for the Arts, was more skeptical, saying that the MAC is "not quite there yet."

"I think it'll probably help [reduce the lines] in the long-run," Lee said.CrimsonJohn F. CoyleA STEP UP: MAC users now have the benefit of 14 new StairMasters.