Those looking to lose weight have on-campus options

With 2008 finished, for many students 2009 brings the same old New Year’s resolution: to lose those unwanted pounds.

On the IU campus there are many opportunities to go about shedding that extra, unwanted weight while also promoting healthy diet regimens and exercise routines.

One of the easiest and safest ways for students to start off their New Year’s “get fit” resolution is to visit the Student Recreational Sports Center or the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation building.

This week, the SRSC held a recreational sports kick-off that will end Jan. 15 to welcome back students and get them acquainted with what the fitness center has to offer.

“We want to use this welcome back week opportunity to expose IU students to what the SRSC has to offer by placing emphasis on how a daily exercise routine can be most beneficial to living a healthy lifestyle here on the IU campus,” said Megan Amadeo, assistant director of personal training at the SRSC.

The welcome-back activities expose students to what the SRSC has to offer, including informal sports, strength and conditioning, group exercise sessions, intramural sports, cycle fit sessions, mind-body sessions, circuit strength sessions and personal training. With a valid school ID, the group workout sessions are free to students and are offered at many different levels with no experience needed.

“We start off sessions with basic training that leads into a progressive movement so that students are not intimidated but motivated to come back and keep up with their exercise goals,” said Michael Edwards, SRSC trekking, step and core trainer.

Group workout sessions range from intense cardio core and kickboxing to hip-hop, jazz and pop dance classes. For a more personal experience, students can buy personal training session packages ranging from three sessions at a cost of $105 to 32 sessions at a cost of $950. Students take weekly mind-body sessions for $40 or weekly circuit strength sessions for $21. Besides training sessions, the SRSC also offers a wide variety of intramural and club sports at varied costs.

The HPER also offers various classes that are devoted to different styles of dance and martial arts courses. And for some students, exercising with others is the perfect motivation.

“Bring a friend with you when working out,” said junior Miles Taylor who uses the SRSC frequently. “IU’s campus has many exercise opportunities, you just have to be disciplined and commit to a routine.”

The IU Health Center is also having a six-week weight control class at a cost of $60 that will run from 12-1 p.m. on Wednesdays from Jan. 28 to Mar. 4. It will include information for students about healthy ways to eat on campus.

“Our goal is to teach students how to meet healthy weight goals while also being informed about healthy eating habits on campus and sustaining a healthy diet for a healthy lifestyle,” said Bobbie Saccone, health center dietitian and nutritionist.

The Health Center also offers one free-of-charge appointment for IU students each semester.