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

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

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

Empowerment Tip #12: Empower yourself PHYSICALLY by taking a time out from stress this winter break.

Another semester has came and gone and I’m sure your getting anxious for your highly anticipated Christmas break.

As a college student dealing with deadlines and constant testing, it’s easy to forget how to relax.

So this winter break, make a conscious effort to free yourself of worry and stress. Take a night walk to go look at Christmas lights with your family, or a power run in the morning. Drink hot chocolate. Do things you once enjoyed as a child.

Look at the break is a rejuvenation period so you can come back to school refreshed and ready to go.

Campus Recreation hours over the break are as follows:

December 19: noon- 8 p.m.

December 20-23:6 a.m.- 8 p.m.

December 24-31: closed

January 1-2: noon- 5 p.m.

January 3-7: noon- 8 p.m.

January 10-13: noon- 8 p.m.

January 14: noon- 10 p.m.

The HPE will be closed throughout the duration of the break. Group exercise classes and normal hours will continue until Friday, December 18.

If you plan to be in town, check out the campus jogging trails located in the front kiosk of the Rec and in the handbill racks located in the lounge and by the locker rooms.

Remember, you’ve worked hard this semester and deserve to tend to yourself.

Have a wonderful holiday everyone. Talk to you next year!

YOUR inside to Campus Rec- Steph

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

It’s finally staying cold outside and as usual the SFA campus is decorated beautifully for the holidays. The outside air is crisp and fresh and I don’t know if it’s just the pine trees for sale on every corner, but it almost smells like Christmas.

I have been here for three school years now and I don’t think I have seen as many giving hearts around the holidays as I have this year.

Walking around between classes I have noticed many student led organizations with huge stockpiles of toys that have been collected for children in need. It warms my heart knowing that young people feel motivated to make a difference. College students may not have a lot of finances, but we can afford to give a little and I think it’s great.

If you have missed deadlines for some of these toy drives but still want to help it’s not too late.

Campus Rec has partnered with the Nacogdoches County Humane Society, the children’s units of the Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital and the Nacogdoches Medical Center to create a month long donation drive known as the Angel Tree. All proceeds benefit Nacogdoches children and animals in need.

If you have passed through the Rec lately you have probably seen the Angel Tree located in the lobby. If you take a closer look you will find hanging candy canes with attached messages. Each candy cane contains a special assignment. Patrons are invited to take a candy cane and purchase the corresponding item and then bring it back to the Rec and place it in one of the boxes under the tree. This way, there will be more variety and the gifts will be more personalized based on the needs of the sponsoring organizations.

The Angel Tree has only been out for about a week now but has already proven to be a great success.

So, if you have a break between all the tests and projects that are most likely consuming your mind as the semester comes to an end, stop by the Rec and see if one of the gifts on the Angel Tree inspires you. And don’t forget about making a de-stress appointment with Campus Rec’s professional massage therapist, Therese Hosteller (936-468-3507 M-F). Less than two weeks left everyone! We can do it!

YOUR inside connection to Campus Rec- Steph

Empowerment Tip #11: Empower Yourself EMOTIONALLY by booking a massage appointment at Campus Rec.

Finals are coming up and I don't know about ya'll but I am stressed out. Taking physical breaks aren't enough. I need to let my mind rest.

Are you hitting the books hard and ready to relax? Take a study break and Empower Yourself EMOTIONALLY by visiting Campus Rec’s very own massage therapist, Therese Hosteller.

Hosteller is a massage expert with 18 years of experience who offers special prices to Campus Rec members that you simply can’t find anywhere else.

Check it out:

Chair Massage

15 minutes: $12 • 30 minutes: $25

Reflexology

15 minutes: $12 • 30 minutes: $25

Table

15 minutes: $12 • 30 minutes: $25

45 minutes: $40 • 60 minutes: $50

Swedish

30 minutes: $25 • 60 minutes: $50

Sport

30 minutes: $25 • 60 minutes: $50

Trigger Point

30 minutes: $25 • 60 minutes: $50

Deep Tissue

30 minutes: $25 • 60 minutes: $50

With finals coming up, this is Hostellers busiest time of year. So don’t wait! Call Campus Rec at (936) 468-3507 to make an appointment. Or, stop by the Admin Office when you’re through working out. Here are the office hours: Monday- Thursday 8 a.m.- 7 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.

You’ll be glad you did.

YOUR inside connection to Campus Rec- Steph

Wellness Fair!

This has to be the BEST DAY EVER at Campus Rec. It’s the annual Wellness Fair!

In order to promote a healthy lifestyle, all kinds of organizations are here visiting from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

This fair is all about empowering yourself physically, spiritually, emotionally, environmentally, financially and socially.

There are games, prizes and all kinds of free stuff designed to show YOU how to take charge of your life! So far, I’ve collected a t-shirt from CBTx Commercial Bank of Texas, a toothbrush and toothpaste goodie bag from nacogdoches dental, energy vitamins from SFA’s new licensed dietitian, Caroline Sullivan, and I’ve entered myself in a free raffle with Campus Rec Fitness and Wellness. And that’s not the half of it!

If you can't tell, I'm a little excited.

I’ve met all kinds of people and may not even need lunch anymore thanks to Varsity Bookstore and their wonderful cheese plate!

Aside from outside organizations and companies, Campus Rec program areas are here in full force. You can find out your BMI or even get a free massage! Or both-there’s nothing stopping you. Outdoor Pursuits is here talking about how to get involved in their upcoming trips, and of course about sustainability!

So, if you haven’t already passed through the Rec today make sure you take a second to stop by for this spectacular event. It will make your day.

YOUR inside connection to Campus Rec- Steph