Friday, January 28, 2011

Empowerment Tip #13: Empower yourself EMOTIONALLY by having a healthy routine.


Every year marks a fresh beginning. I’m sure you’ve been asked about New Year’s resolutions, how you feel about entering the year of 2011, how will this year change you physically and emotionally.

But how can you realistically change habits? We feel this pressure as a society to undergo radical transformation starting in January every year. But what if your new years resolution became a lifestyle? What if you weren’t making a meaningless declaration, but instating a routine?

If your everyday routine could reflect the good intentions of a New Year’s resolution, you’d be a powerhouse physically and emotionally.

As a college student, I know each semester presents an opportunity to set the tone for the next four months of life. In the same way as an employee and a person the New Year presents an opportunity to make and break habits.

“Do one thing every day that scares you,” said Eleanor Roosevelt.

Although the former First Lady probably wasn’t referencing lifestyle changes, her meaning is clear, be daring!

This year create your habits intentionally.

Walk everyday with your dog, take vitamins, eat breakfast, find a creative hobby or outlet, meet new people, get outside and camp, rock climb or take a fitness class here at the Student Recreation Center.

Our Group X Schedule this semester presents a plethora of fun and empowering classes that could become part of your routine during 2011.

All of the Group X instructors are dedicated and excited to teach fitness classes and would love to have you as a participant in their class.

So find part of your new routine on our Spring Group X Schedule!

(*) Refers to a class that is advanced.

Monday Classes Times Room Locations
Indoor Cycling 7:30 – 8:15am Cycling Studio
H.I.T. (High Intensity Training) 4:15 – 5:00pm MP1
Pilates 4:00 – 5:00pm MP2
Toned to the Bone 5:30 – 6:15pm MP2
*Indoor Cycling 6:00 – 6:45pm Cycling Studio
Zumba 6:30 – 7:30pm MP1
Groove and Grind 8:00 – 9:00pm MP1
Yoga 8:00 – 9:00pm MP2

Tuesday Classes Times Room Locations
Yoga 7:30 – 8:30am MP2
Abs for Lunch 12:30 – 1:00pm MP1
*Athletic Conditioning 5:00 – 6:00pm MP1
Abs Blast 5:30 – 6:00pm MP2
*Boot Camp 6:15 – 7:15pm MP1
Turbo Kick 6:15 – 7:15pm MP2
Trim N’ Tone 7:30 – 8:30pm MP1
Yoga 8:00 – 9:00pm MP2

Wednesday Classes Times Room Locations
Indoor Cycling 7:30 – 8:15am Cycling Studio
Pilates 4:00 – 5:00pm MP2
Toned to the Bone 5:30 – 6:15pm MP2
*Indoor Cycling 6:00 – 6:45pm Cycling Studio
Zumba 6:30 – 7:30pm MP1
*Trim N’ Tone 6:30 – 7:30pm MP2
Yoga 8:00 – 9:00pm MP2

Thursday Classes Times Room Locations
Yoga 7:30 – 8:30am MP2
Abs for Lunch 12:30 – 1:00pm MP1
*Athletic Conditioning 5:00 – 6:00pm MP1
Vertical Challenge 5:00 – 6:15pm Rock Wall
Abs Blast 5:30 – 6:00pm MP2
*Boot Camp 6:15 – 7:15pm MP1
Turbo Kick 6:15 – 7:15pm MP2

Friday Classes Times Room Locations
Zumba 1:00 – 2:00pm MP1

There are no classes on Saturday and Sundays.

So, try new things!

But above all this year, don’t forget to laugh everyday. Laughter is an asset in life.

Just Grindin’ the Axe - Liza

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Giving back with Blood.

Commit for life and come to the Blood Drive at the Student Recreation Center that’s approaching next week, February 1 and 2 with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. Oddly enough every time a blood drive is held the real challenge is not facilitating it but getting people to feel comfortable donating.


As a freshman, I made the mistake of putting my real e-mail and phone number on a signup sheet with the Regional Gulf Coast Blood Center. Since then, the blood center will call and ask me to donate blood at least every 6 months. I’ve learned to screen every call from them. Nevertheless, they continue to leave me cheerful reminders on my voicemail, encouraging me to make blood donation a lifelong habit.


While I fear the phone calls, I can’t help but be impressed by their persistence. And reconsider my intense dislike of giving blood.


Entire jobs are created just to coordinate blood drives. A friend of mine, Nick Moy, is one such employee. He adores his job and I can’t blame him. Everyday he is helping save someone’s life.


The American Red Cross has statistically found that every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.


Wow, that is incredible to think about! While you read this there were two to six people who needed blood.


Another statistic provided by the American Red Cross that motivates me to give blood is; more than 1 million new people are diagnosed with cancer each year. Most of them will require blood transfusions, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.


Although these statistics initially made me feel guilt and pressure to give blood, the facts remain, donation is a necessary evil.


So, what are the reasons people won’t give blood?


After asking a random group of people why they will or will not give blood the responses I received were incredibly unified. Generally, people give blood to help others and save lives. Yet, the fear of needles and the idea that their lifeblood is flowing out of them into a plastic bag keep many people from donating.


And although most responses were unified, there are always the unexpected responses. Two such responses were from SFA senior, Raul Davila, said, “I would donate because it’s a way to help someone other than yourself. And it gives me a reason to eat ice cream.” Campus Rec Fitness and Wellness Graduate Assistant, Michael Ryan, said, “I’ll use any excuse to get free juice and cookies.”


So whatever logic, blood donation is one aspect of giving to be seriously considered.


So, be ready on February 1 and 2 between 10a.m. and 4p.m. for the Campus Recreation Blood drive, in the Rec Center Meeting Room. Walk in’s are welcome or you could be an overachiever and sign up in advance in the Rec Center Lobby or online at www.giveblood.com.


And what could be better than a complimentary t-shirt to thank you for your donation!

Just grindin’ the ax - Liza

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

What's YOUR New Year's resolution?

It’s that time again: New Year’s resolutions. Do you make one, or ride into the New Year free of inhabitations?


I have to admit I didn’t come up with one until today as I was walking to my first class of the semester. I decided not to fight for parking spots this time around. It’s my eighth semester at SFA and I’ve had about enough of the morning parking battlefield. This morning I opted on the commuter lot as a first option.


I figure on the days I don’t have time to work out (which happens to be most days) parking in the commuter lot and then making the long hike to the communication building will make up for it. I feel like I will also be a much more peaceful person as a result. The only major adjustment will be time, but I can sacrifice a few minutes in the morning for peace and harmony.


I made a hypothesis that the New Year’s resolutions of my peers revolve around physical health. It’s cliché, but the fact is most of us could stand to make some improvements.


The result? After conducting a verbal survey at the Rec, my hypothesis can be deemed a fact. Excuse the lingo- I am currently enrolled in my last science core credit and am trying to get back in the swing of things. But the truth is whether it’s exercising more, eating better or not excessively socializing, college students want to be healthier.


Fortunately for you, Campus Recreation is at your service.


This semester is cram packed with Group Exercise classes, Intramural, Sport Clubs and Outdoor Pursuits events, as well Wellness services to help you recover from it all.


Here’s some of what’s coming up:


Men’s and women’s basketball starts next week and registration ENDS TOMORROW. So get your team together and send a representative to the Rec tomorrow, January 20 from 11 p.m. - 4 p.m. to sign up.


For all you runners out there looking for a challenge, come ask a Fitness Assistant about Race Across Texas anytime from now until February 7.


Outdoor Pursuits is hosting Paintball in the Piney Woods Saturday, February 12. The registration deadline is February 7, so if you’re interested in a messy, wild day of fun get on it!


Friday, the Rec will introduce its new blogger, Liza Mac Donald. Mac Donald is a current Campus Rec Administration Office employee who will be spending some time this semester interning with us in Promotions. One of her duties as an intern will be collaborating with me on the blog. We are very pleased about this addition to our team and are expecting exciting things from her!


YOUR inside connection to Campus Rec- Steph