There's no such thing as a stupid question.

I’m sure you’ve heard this expression for years, yet you probably still hesitate to ask questions in fear of feeling silly. Fear not. No question equals no answer! In order to better serve you, my staff and me decided to find out exactly what information you are lacking about Campus Rec.

This week, instead of only bothering patrons within the Rec, I ventured outside onto campus. Maybe the people who shy away from the Rec simply have uncertainties that they need answers to. Maybe that’s not the case- but either way it provided me with twice the entertainment.

There were a few off-the-wall questions that made my day; but most centered on a misunderstanding of Campus Rec hours.

I completely understand this question. In fact, as a promotions staff member, I am part of the team whose job is to make sure you are aware of this information. Our program area designs and maintains displays of current information such as: hours, events, etc.

Let me clue you in on something that may help you better understand the hours. Have you ever noticed the Rec staff members walking around with clipboards? They are counting how many people are entering the Rec every hour. Why? So we know when to be open! The hours are catered to when YOU use it the most. Campus Rec debuted with much longer hours, and during certain time periods no one was here!

As far as cutting hours in the summer, take a look at these numbers:

Fall 2009- an average of 1,000 visited the Rec a day

Spring 2010- an average of 1,200

So far this summer- 700 people per day

That’s a 41.6 percent decrease in visitors from the spring to the summer!

Campus Rec is not a 24-hour facility mainly because not enough people would use it at random hours of the night. Keeping the Rec open 24-hours would involve forcing student workers to be up all night while attending classes during the day. Sounds like a pain that would cause arguments over shift selection- not to mention some very grumpy staff members with bad grades.

That being said, what are our hours right now?

Monday-Friday 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Saturday- Sunday Noon- 8 p.m.

When the fall semester beings, our hours will increase- staying open until midnight most nights. C’mon, that should be ample time to get your sweat on!

All right, this next part might not make you too happy. There are certain circumstances that cause the Rec to close early or not open at all. Two are coming up.

The first is August 14- 15. This is graduation weekend and we will not have as many visitors. Therefore, the hours will be reduced to Noon- 5 p.m. instead of 8 p.m. (sorry). Congratulations to those who are graduating! What a great accomplishment.

The other upcoming inconvenience is August 23- 25. Over these three days the Rec will be closed all together. Before every new semester the entire Rec staff (aquatics, IMS, facility, etc.) comes together for training. There are so many staff members that the entire Rec Center is needed! On the positive, we kill two birds with one stone during this time and have the entire place thoroughly cleaned. Who wants to workout in a pigsty? Not I. Hey that rhymed.

If you’re worried about keeping up with all of this information, handbills (mini flyers) are available in the Lumberjack Lounge, at the kiosk by the welcome desk and in a rack by the locker rooms. During the school year, information about intramurals and other special events will be located in these same areas. OR, if you’re going green, I’ve seen people take pictures of the information on their cell phones to eliminate excess paper.

The same pretty much goes for the pool. It gets the most use during the day, so that’s when it’s open. When we did have longer pool hours, hardly anyone came at night! Closing early is the most practical thing to do.

ATTENTION ALUMNI! Did you know you can cancel and renew your membership at anytime? Unlike other gyms, Campus Rec offers a month-by –month system. Don’t want to pay for December when the students are on Christmas break? Fine. Cancel your membership and come back for the New Year. Going on vacation for two weeks in July? Great. Well see you in August! Considering that Campus Rec is a student facility, there is a cap on alumni memberships. BUT if you sign up once, you will never lose your spot- even if you cancel.

Here are your other questions:

1. What are the massage prices?

One of my previous blogs dealt with this question. I visited the Campus Rec masseur, Therese Hosteller, to find out all about her services. Like you, I had no idea!

Hosteller offers services to both members and non-members. Her specialties are: Chair Massage, Reflexology, Table Massage, Swedish Massage, Sport Massage, Trigger Point Massage and Deep Tissue. The prices are $12 for 15 minutes, $25 for 30 minutes and $50 for 60 minutes.

For a complete price list and massage descriptions visit our website at: http://www.sfasu.edu /campusrec/massage-therapy/index.asp

To make an appointment call: (936) 468- 8408

Also, read my June blog entry titled “Massages to-go?” for my Campus Rec massage review.

2. Does it cost to participate in a group exercise class?

That's a big fat NO!

When you wish to participate in a group exercise class, simply tell a staff member at the checkout desk which class you shall attend. You will then receive a Jax Pass. Bring this pass with you to class and hand it in to the instructor. Each class has a limit, and Jax Passes are the staff’s way of keeping count.

For more information on what to expect in a group exercise class, check out the following blogs:

“Nobody gonna break my stride!’’

“Shaking it up in Zumba!”

“Breathe in breathe out…laugh.”

3. Did someone die from climbing the rock wall?

This may surprise you, but assuming it is done correctly, rock climbing is actually quite safe. I learned this when I rock climbed for the first time earlier in the summer (reference “I made it to the top!” for the story).

Outdoor Pursuits Graduate Assistant, George Giavasis, told me what actually happened. Someone was using the equipment incorrectly at the Rec and fell off the rock wall. They did not die! The floor is padded in case said situation occurs.

So climb on! It’s safe.

4. Was Campus Rec built on a graveyard?

Somewhat true. Campus Rec was built over the graveyard of the late tennis courts if you will. Hopefully not enough to scare people away- but you never know. Tennis is a difficult sport.

5. Is it true that Campus Rec has only been open for three years?

Yes! Campus Rec is in fact a toddler just learning to talk. Can you imagine life without it? I sure can’t. To me, Campus Rec is the center of everything. It unites the campus and gives us something to be proud of. Three years ago, students were limited to the HPE. If you have been in there, you know the weight room is modest. Now, the HPE serves as extra space! It’s also the main location for indoor intramural events. Isn’t it great to breathe! I don’t know how SFA alumni survived without the Rec when they were students. You must agree, considering all the concerns about it not being open long enough!

6. Is it true that the 40-person hot tub can fit 40 people?

Close, but no cigar. The Campus Rec hot tub is actually a 30-person hot tub; and yes it can indeed fit 30 people! Hmm think you just gave me an idea for a future blog…

7. Is it true that people steal towels from Campus Rec?

Sadly, yes. :/ I judge you.

8. How many graduate assistants does Campus Rec have?

Convenient that this question is number eight because that’s how many graduate assistants there are.

Facilities and Membership Services (1):

Dan Belcher of the University of Virginia

Outdoor Pursuits (1):

George Giavasis of Kent State University

Fitness, Wellness, and Aquatics(3):

Michael Ryan of California State University Northridge

Alissa Underhill of Washington State University

Greg Nord of Texas Christian University

Promotions and Sponsorships(1):

Kati Van Dunk of Stephen F. Austin State University

Intramural Sports, Sport Clubs, and Camps(2):

Travis Lankford of the University of Texas at Austin

Joe Wise of Texas A&M Universit

Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties, I will not be able to post the video of your questions at this time. But chin up! I have faith that my technology-savvy staff will get the problem corrected, and I will have it up in no time!

YOUR inside connection to Campus Rec- Steph

Changing the world one hula hoop at a time!

It’s third grade and you’re lined up on the way to P.E. class. Your teacher walks you into the gym and you are told to sit in your assigned alphabetical row. Today’s activity: hula hooping! Everyone around you cheers, and then the P.E. teacher claps five times, and your peers automatically mimic her because they know clap sequences mean quiet.

When it’s time to play, the boys begin to have hula hoop wars, in which they attempt to knock each others hoop down; and the girls gather in circles giggling while they hoop. The P.E. teacher blasts popular, but kid-friendly songs of the 90s, such as “Achy Breaky Heart,” or “Macarena.” Ah the memories.

It was cool then so why not now?!

If the Rec had hula hoops laying out by the medicine balls would you use them? Probably not.

For some odd reason hula hoops are generally associated with childhood and most adults would never use one in public.

Hula hooping is a great cardio and abdominal workout, and I think that it should be just as socially acceptable as running or lifting weights. Every type of workout looks funny if you think about it. C’mon the yoga tree pose? Hilarious. Or what about the row machine? Gets me every time. I found a website called “bettyhoops,” about a woman who has her own hula hoop studio- but that’s a different story. Were talking about the general public’s attitude here, and it’s negative!

Therefore, I set out to change the world- one hula hoop at a time.

I held an impromptu hula hoop contest in the middle of the Rec Tuesday. Patrons were reluctant to participate, but I was able to persuade five brave souls into picking up a hoop.

“We have to do it right here?” one patron asked.

“Yup. Right here,” I said.

So they spread out in the middle of the main weight room and began to hoop.

Watch the results:

Health benefits of hula hooping:

• Weight loss

• Increased energy

• Waist, hip and knee strengthening

• Improves coordination

• Tones abdominals and arms

Has anyone seen the Friends episode where Phobe runs like a crazy person in the park, so Rachel makes up an excuse not to run with her? Well in the end Rachel realizes Phobe’s way is more fulfilling because it frees the soul and makes her think of childhood. SO, whether it’s in a dark room by yourself, or in the Rec, I think you should give hula hooping a try as part of your next workout. You might be surprised. As always, leave your questions or comments in the box below!

YOUR inside connection to Campus Rec- Steph

Ask a Trainer!

Ever have a lingering question about fitness or nutrition? I thought you might, so I walked around the Rec with my Flip video asking people to share them. Once I had a good amount of questions, I sat down with Campus Rec fitness and wellness graduate assistant/ personal trainer, Alissa Underhill to find the answers. You may recognize Underhill from my cycling blog a few weeks ago. Here are the questions, followed by Underhill’s answers, and my take on each one:

1. How is it that some people seem to work out constantly and not lose any weight?

Generally, they are in taking more calories than they are burning.

My take: All right, well that makes sense. After a workout I have a tendency to eat more than I normally would because I have sort of a starving sensation in my stomach. Making sure I have eaten enough before I work out should help the matter.

2. Why do some people have more defined 6-packs than others?

The rectus abdominis is genetic. It doesn’t matter how much core work you do, if you have a 2-pack, you will always have a 2-pack. However, you must lose the layer of abdominal fat over the muscle before you will be able to see what genetics has/ hasn’t given you.

My take: I love it; it’s like a Christmas present. Or a box of chocolates: you never know what you’re gonna get.

3. How many calories are in a pound of fat?

Roughly 3,500.

My take: Nothing but indecent images of reality TV plastic surgery shows come to my mind on that one.

4. What’s the correct way to do a squat?

This question is better answered with a video demonstration:

My take: I can barely do a wall-sit.

5. Is running on a treadmill equivalent to running on a track?

No. Treadmills have more give in them so the energy returned back into your feet is more, making it less difficult than running on a track.

My take: Considering the 100-degree weather Nacogdoches has been having, I’ll stick to a treadmill. Good to know for future reference though.

6. How can I get in the habit of eating healthier?

Gradually change your diet by adding fruits and vegetables. Most people fail at dieting when they try to starve themselves, or do too much all at once.

My take: So true. I’m always like, “OK. Today is the day it starts.” And then I am so hungry by the next day I go back to my old habits. Maybe if I gradually changed things healthier eating would be easier to stick to.

7. Which cardio machine will give me the best cardio workout?

Whichever one you will use. There are machines with higher intensity, but chances are there is a particular machine you’re more comfortable on than others. Stick to what works for you.

My take: I love her answer on this one. Any time I get on an exercise bike I get right back off. The cycling class was an exception since I had Underhill in front of me demonstrating exactly what to do. Elliptical machines are the only ones that feel right when I’m working out on my own. Why force something that’s uncomfortable?

8. What is a calorie?

This could get complex, but essentially a calorie is energy measured by heat.

My take: I’ll take it. That’s good enough. She tried to further explain the process of burning calories to me, completely unaware that I am a journalism major who got a “D” for done in my only ever science class at SFA. A calorie is energy? Cool.

9. How many calories should I intake per day based on my height?

It depends on how active you are. The more active you are the more calories you need- but remember not to overcompensate.

My take: I could see where this gets confusing for people. I think unless you’re trying shed some pounds you shouldn’t worry about counting calories. As long as you’re not eating fast food every day, and you’re getting regular exercise, there’s no need to stress over numbers. But maybe that’s just me- math was never my subject either.

10. How much exercise should I do for my weight/ height?

In order to maintain a healthy weight, most sources recommend 30 minutes of moderate exercise 3- 5 days a week. If you’re trying to loose weight you need to increase that workout to about an hour as well as increasing intensity.

My take: Awesome. Three days a week = so doable.

11. How do I eat right?

Eat more fruits and vegetables. Don’t eliminate carbs- your body needs the glucose. Check out: www.mypyramid.gov .

My take: Good to know. Spaghetti is my favorite dish- ask my roommates, I make it almost every day.

12. How do I get skinny fast?!

Typically, the faster you loose the weight, the quicker you put it back on. It’s extremely unhealthy to constantly go up and down in weight. Loosing 2 lbs. a week is ideal. That way you can make sure you are loosing fat and not water weight or muscle. Cardio workouts are ideal for loosing weight, but remember to do strength-training exercises as well.

My take: I have never attempted to starve myself, but I have had friends who have. I encourage anyone with body image issues to see someone. These issues may seem harmless, but can quickly turn into life long diseases. Campus Rec wants to help this cause by promoting National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (February 21-27). For more information visit: www.nationaleatingdisorders.org .

13. What is the best thing to eat for lunch while you’re on the go?

Sandwiches with wholegrain bread, turkey or chicken, and no mayonnaise will do the trick. Add veggies to spice them up.

My take: I like to spice up my sandwiches with peppers and Hot Cheetoes. At least most of it is healthy.

14. How does healthy food affect our fitness?

They go hand-in-hand. Eating healthy will keep you’re insides functioning at their prime as well as keeping your energy and motivation up.

My take: Yeah. When I know I am doing absolutely nothing, that’s when I reach for the Big Mac. I never want to work out after I eat fast food.

15. How does caffeine intake affect weight-loss and maintenance?

Caffeine dehydrates the body. If you are going to drink it, try to balance it with water. Diet drinks have no sugar and fewer calories, but water is always preferred. If water bores you, try adding a crystal light pack to your bottle.

Most of the energy drinks/ shots sold in convenience stores have not been fully tested. It is hard to know what they will do to you. Try to save them for emergencies.

My take: That last part reminds me of the era when people didn’t know cigarettes were bad. I have thought about that a lot in comparison with the energy products so readily available in our generation. Who knows what’s in them, or for that matter the effects they will have on us later in life. I’ll try to stay away from those, but there is no way I will ever get off my morning coffee. I started at 16, and at 22 I am still truckin’ with my morning addiction.

I hope you enjoyed and learned a few things! Check out this video footage of my encounters with people whose questions are featured; and leave comments with other fitness/nutrition questions you want me to find the answers to!

YOUR inside connection to Campus Rec- Steph

Camping College Style.

Although I have only been camping once in my life, I understand why people enjoy it. There’s nothing like the sense of peace that comes from a quiet night around a campfire with good friends. Fresh air, s’mores, and reminiscing about old times are a recipe for achieving serenity.

Finding a place to camp in the piney woods isn’t really a problem-Camp Tonkawa is right down the street from SFA. The bigger issue is costly equipment. Tents and other accessories can be very expensive, causing me to want to forget the idea of camping in the first place.

The one time I did go, it was with a friend whose parents are SERIOUS about camping and already had everything.

But there’s no way someone with no equipment and little outdoor knowledge could pull off a camping trip right? Wrong.

Campus Rec Outdoor Pursuits program has everything you need whether it’s rental equipment or even someone to talk to for suggestions. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and loves what they do.

I googled “rental camping equipment,” and it turns out OP offers their stuff for about half the price of other retailers.

For $4 on a weekday, and $10 on a weekend you can get a two-person tent with all parts included.

Now that money is out of the way, I’m wondering how on earth I’m going to figure out how to pitch a tent.

I went to seek out OP staff member, Wendy Whipkey, to find the answer.

The common phrase, “you learn something new every day” can get annoying but always rings true in my life. A good quality tent is actually simple to assemble. Yes you read me: SIMPLE.

“There’s probably not an easier tent,” said Whipkey.

Putting up an OP rental tent can be broken down into four steps:

1. Clear your campsite and lay down the “floorsaver” tarp.

2. Lay down the tent and line it up accordingly with the “floorsaver.”

3. Snap poles together and secure them in tent clips.

4. Place the ends of the poles into pins at the tent corners while lifting the tent.

Stake everything down for security, place the flysheet over the tent if it’s raining, and BAM! You’re done.

I put together a short video so you can visualize each of these steps.

If you’re looking for other fun campsites here are some recommendations from OP assistant director Michael Maningas: Davy Crocket National Forest on the way to Crocket, Martin Dies Jr. State Park in Jasper or Cattle Lake toward Marshal.

OP summer hours: Monday- Friday 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.

www.sfasu.edu/campusrec/outdoor

YOUR inside connection to Campus Rec- Steph

Future Jacks Utilize Campus Rec!

Campus Rec is not just for SFA students, but also for future SFA students.

Little Jack Rec Camp invites parents to enroll their children in fun filled day camps counseled by SFA students.

What better role model for kids than college students working toward bettering themselves?

As a former Dallas camp counselor, I was curious what a day in the life of a Little Jack camper entailed, so I went for a visit.

When I approached camp I learned it was “outdoor week.”

Michael Maningas and George Giavasis of the Outdoor Pursuits program were there to teach campers all about fire safety.

First, Maningas sat the kids down to talk to them about forest fires. Next, he demonstrated how to build a small, controlled fire and properly put it out. I was astonished to find out how hands-on the kids were allowed to be. After the lesson they got to partner up and build their own small fires. What a blast!

At the conclusion of the activity, a Nacogdochesfire fighter walked on scene to give them more information. Coming from a real fire fighter, the kids were definitely tuned in- especially when he let them each have a turn using a fire extinguisher.

After witnessing the fire safety activity, I realized how unique Little Jack Rec Camp is from other day camps. There are so many resources available within walking distance that there is little need for hassling with field trips.

The kids get to use SFA facilities to play outside, swim, watch movies,

play sports and even visit the planetarium!

I mentioned this to some staff members and they seemed to agree.

“It’s pretty awesome cause we have enoughstuff to do right here,” said, Nacogdoches senior Amy Seitz.

Although physical activity is encouraged, Little Jack Rec Camp is not only sports oriented. Each week has a theme that combines education, socialization, activity and fun.

The main goal of camp according to director, Brian Mills, is to wear em’ out and let them have fun all day!

Life seems great for the kids but I was curious how the counselors are holding up in the summer heat.

“My favorite part about being a counselor is watching all the campers accomplish something and having the feeling that I taught them,” said, Nacogdoches senior, Eleseba “Ellie” Tanksley.

Sounds like a rewarding experience on both ends!

If you’re interesting in learning more about Campus

Rec children’s programming call us at 936-468-3507, or visit our website www.sfasu.edu/campusrec.

YOUR inside connection to Campus Rec- Steph

Breathe in breathe out...laugh.

Yoga is something I think most people are curious about whether or not they end up trying it. Something about it seems fashion forward and exciting. My mom has belonged to a fancy yoga studio for a couple years now and claims to be addicted. She has permanently given up her gym membership and strictly practices this relaxing health routine.

But where does it come from? And why has it become so popular?

Discover-yoga-online offers a great description. Yoga began in India and is now a way of life. It goes beyond physical fitness and relaxation. It’s believed that with inner peace comes happiness.

I’m sure you’ve heard something along the lines of yoga being an exploration of ones self. But how can a workout be a form of self-discovery? Traditional exercise involves some type of accessory that forces the body to focus on a specific region. Besides the mat designed for comfort, and small block for stability yoga requires only one thing: you. It teaches how to stretch and stimulate the muscles using only means already attached.

Has anyone ever told you to take a deep breath? We get so busy in our day-to-day lives that we actually forget to do something as simple as breathing. The body and mind can’t function properly unless the airways are being filled. When we get stressed we tend to take short breaths, which only makes our problems worse.

My point? Yoga re-teaches the body how to breathe. Instructors will constantly remind the class to breathe in and out slowly while performing poses- resulting in a restored body and mind.

Interested? Visit a yoga class at the Rec! I went to my first Campus Rec yoga class last week and learned a lot.

For one, I am not as flexible as I once was. Once upon a time, I remember doing cartwheels and splits around my front yard pretending I was an Olympic gymnast. Times have changed.

I didn’t let my lack of practice stop me, although I did giggle my way through it.

I’ve experienced several moments like this in life. Let me set the scene for you. It’s a social situation that requires silence such as a classroom or ceremony. There’s always friend involved. We make eye contact and smile, one person starts laughing (usually me) and from there it becomes a chain reaction. Every time I look at the person that started my initial laughter; I can’t hold it in. The more aware I am that I am not suppose to laugh in that setting, the harder it becomes not to.

In this case, it was my promotions accomplice, Lauren, helping to fuel the laughter. You’ll notice my face in the pictures trying to stay serious. Luckily, my classmates didn’t seem to mind.

Laughter aside, after the cycling class it felt great to relax and stretch out.

Some poses were out of the question for me so the instructor offered alternatives. That’s the great thing about it- there’s always a way to modify for beginners.

Not convinced yet?

My mom and I share the trait of extremely long legs. Because of this we have always been told to bend at the knees and not the waist to avoid straining the back. Unfortunately, the ideal way of kneeling down doesn’t always follow through in the instant it takes to pick something up off the ground. Therefore, my mom has struggled with back problems most of her life. Since practicing yoga, I am happy to report that her back problems are no more. I can’t even remember the last time I saw her with a heating pad!

Yoga takes practice, but it’s worth a shot! Campus Rec offers an intimidation free atmosphere where beginners are always welcome. Yoga enthusiasts love spreading the word (trust me I lived with one)!

Have a great fourth and remember all facilities are closed July 3-4 due to the holiday!

YOUR inside connection to Campus Rec- Steph