Exercise during holidays good

 

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, many students have food on the brain.

But instead of focusing on seconds, we should keep our waistlines in mind.

To avoid winter weight gain, there are several things to keep in mind this holiday season: the importance of portion control, food choices and physical activity.

“The American College of Sports Medicine does recommend about 30 minutes of moderate cardiovascular activity every day, so this can be done,” said Ashley Berberich, coordinator of fitness and wellness at the University of Cincinnati’s Campus Recreation Center. “But be mindful of any injuries and make sure not to overdo it.”

People feeling under the weather should stay away from the gym, Berberich said. Germs can be easily spread, and working out while sick can put  people at risk for serious complications.

An easy way to get the recommended 30 mintues each day is to visit the

recreation center.

The recreation center is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. The alternative hours schedule can be found on the recreation center’s Web site.

For students not able to make it to the recreation center, Berberich recommends walking briskly in the mall while doing holiday shopping or around the Festival of Lights. Students can go to the library to rent workout DVDs, or do simple abdominal exercises to strengthen muscles.

For those new to working out or simply unmotivated, the recreation center and the university offer both group fitness and instructional classes.

The group fitness classes are walk-in and can be attended for free during the first week of the quarter; after the first week, an unlimited pass, punch pass, or single-class pass can be purchased, Berberich said. Instructional classes require students to pick one class to register and take the same class the entire quarter.  

The instructional classes are different from  group fitness classes; the instructor is able to progress the class with the same people each week.  These classes offer more specific instruction like break dancing, belly dancing and a Biggest Loser program.  Each class has its own fee.

Lindsey Sutton, a second-year exploratory studies student is currently enrolled in Group Fitness, an instructional class that the university offers. The class has already learned yoga and Pilates as well as core training, Sutton said.

“I didn’t work out before this class, but [now I work out] twice a day to feel better, more in shape,” said Sutton.

In addition to group fitness classes, the recreation center offers cardio equipment, free weights and a functional training room.  There are three pools, six basketball courts, eight racquetball courts and a suspended track.

A full-time student can use these facilities for free; the cost is included in tuition.

Alex Morrison, a first-year sports administration student, plays basketball every day at the center.

“If it did cost something to join the Rec, I might not be here,” Morrison said.