University recognized for fitness programs

If you feel like you need to get in shape, you’re in the right place.

Men’s Fitness magazine recently rated IU fourth in its rankings of “Fittest Colleges in America.”

IU’s high ranking is directly related to the large quantity and variety of fitness programs and centers available on campus, according to the magazine.

Recreational Sports Director Kathy Bayless said it’s the variety that makes the campus’s fitness program so successful.

“There are 42,000 students and 7,500 faculty and staff that comprise the IU family, and we don’t all like or need the same things.” Bayless said. “So it isn’t surprising that we need to provide a variety of ways to pursue active, healthy lifestyles.”

The large variety of fitness options available is funded significantly by student fees. Each student pays $60.78 per year towards the facilities and programs that are open to all with a student ID.

When students take advantage of those opportunities, they are saving large sums of money. If they were to instead go to the YMCA, for example, they would pay $391 per year.

Saving money is not the only benefit to getting fit on campus. There’s more than physical health benefits, too.

“Research has shown that if someone has good health, they are more likely to do well academically,” said Trent Applegate, professor of school health in the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation.

Participating in fitness programs that incorporate groups is also beneficial for college students.

“You form social connections and make friends,” said Chris Arvin, program director of fitness and wellness. “That’s going to give you a better experience for your time here.”