College is known for a lot of things, including the infamous “freshman 15” — the 15 pounds students gain during their freshman year. Whether you’re a freshman, senior, graduate student or faculty member it’s important to make time for yourself and make time to exercise. The semester can be stressful but working out and going to the gym can clear your mind and help you become more focused.
Marcela Sandigo, associate director of Campus Recreation, said the benefits of exercising are countless.
“[Although exercising] gives you health benefits and makes you look better, the way that you feel inside is the best thing you get from exercise,” said Sandigo. “I think it makes you a better employee, a better student. Your mind is a little clearer, and you’re a little bit more focused.”
Lourdes Perez, a personal trainer for nine years and fitness instructor at the Recreational Complex for eight, teaches spinning and body sculpting classes, and is working toward a master’s degree in exercise science.
“Always have gym clothes nearby so that you can always get to it,” she said. “I always keep an extra pair of gym clothes in my car. You never know when you’re going to have a few minutes.”
The RecPlex offers a variety of activities, including intramural sports and group exercise classes like yoga and body sculpting, which is weight training in a group environment.
The RecPlex also offers interval training like Tabata and Circuit Blast, both short, high-intensity classes. There are also extreme fitness classes like Boot Camp, which is held outdoors and in¬volves flipping tires and throwing medicine balls.
According to Sandigo, many students find that going to a group exercise class with a friend is fun, interactive and less daunting than working out alone.
“I feel that group exercise is a great way to get started, especially if you don’t know how to start a fitness routine,” said Sandigo.
Perez encourages students to make time for exercise, instead of making excuses.
“If you make it part of your routine and don’t look at it as a workout but look at it as a class, I think it’s a good thing,” said Perez.
In the next few months, the RecPlex will offer several events and activities that will allow students to try out a variety of workouts.
On Sept. 17, the RecPlex will host Dance Jam, featuring energetic workouts like zumba, hip-hop and boxing, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the basketball courts.
NSU Shark Shuffle, held on Oct. 13 at 7:30 a.m., is a 5K run/walk held near the Carl DeSantis Building. Any student who crosses the finish line will be eligible to win one of 30 prizes, including $500.
The RecPlex is open Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to midnight, Fridays from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays noon to 8 p.m.
For a full list of all upcoming RecPlex activities, including classes and special events, stop by the RecPlex or visit www.rec.nova.edu.
