Workout Woes
Is the gym too crowded? Campus Recreation has other options
to help you stay in shape
Leigh Ann Vanscoy / Reporter
It is no surprise that Campus Recreation is one of the most
popular spots on campus.
They document that in the 2002-2003 school year around
140,000 people visited the gym. Campus Rec’s goals are
to “provide quality recreational experiences for the
campus community in an effort to promote the wise, lifelong
use of leisure opportunities.”
Many students, however, are finding the gym so busy that it
can often be difficult to get a complete workout.
“When you finally find time to go to the gym, it is
always packed and you can’t get on the machines. And
that is just frustrating,” freshman Nikki Allem
complains. She suggests the gym adding a new variety of
equipment, “like physioballs, body bars and more light
free weights.”
Christopher Disher, a sophomore, agrees that the gym should
add more equipment. “I don’t think there are
enough treadmills. That’s what everyone wants to go on,
and they are always all taken,” he said.
Julie Schuldt, assistant director at Campus Recreation,
oversees four of the 10 programmatic areas of Campus
Recreation: group exercise, fitness, special programs and
substance education.
“Although Campus Recreation is usually busy, the best
time to work out is between the hours of 6 a.m. and 2 p.m.
and again between 9 p.m. and 12 p.m.,” she said.
In order to accommodate the students, the gym is open longer
hours and is only closed six hours during the weekdays.
Schuldt says there are many ways to stay in shape outside of
the gym.
“Take an outdoor trip hiking, ride a bike on the
Phoenix trail, create your own mini triathalon with friends
running outside, coming into Beck Pool to swim and then head
back outdoors on a Ride, Rack, Relax bike,” Schudlt
said.
Campus Recreation offers a great range of activities to help
students stay in shape. Elon’s Campus Recreation offers
many outdoor adventures such as kayaking, canoeing, and
hiking. These trips are designed to allow students to
“experience nature” and have fun while getting
exercise.
Thirty-two group exercise classes are offered during the
week. The fee is $5 per semester for as many classes as
students want to take. The classes are held daily; a complete
schedule can be found online or in the gym.
Belk Pool is also part of Campus Recreation. Students can
join swim classes, play volleyball or even participate in the
Swim to Florida competition (going on now). Check online or
at the gym for the pool schedule.
Currently, Campus Recreation has five personal trainers, both
male and female. Personal trainers are available by
appointment. In addition, fitness supervisors are always at
the gym and can assist participants with spotting and
questions participants may have about equipment in the
fitness center.
Does the gym still intimidate you? Schuldt suggests students
work out at home with a balanced nutritious diet.
“An individual’s body weight is enough to
accomplish weight loss and muscle tone,” Schuldt said.
“For example, dips on a chair for your triceps, lunges
for legs, and push-ups for back/chest.”
As you can see there are many options for keeping fit at
Elon. Students can get information about Campus Recreation on
http://www.elon.edu/campusrec. The web site is updated daily
and offers students an opportunity to e-mail any question or
concerns they may have.
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