Student Recreation Center expects freshman buzz

With AASU's largest freshman class ever getting acquainted with campus life, the Student Recreation Center can expect to be a lot busier now.

All one needs is a Pirate Card and some motivation to check out all of the activities. Outdoor events such as Canoe Day are popular, while the "Pirates on the Run" 5K kicks off later this month.

With group exercise classes, free weights and personal training sessions, freshmen along with every other AASU student have plenty of ways to stay fit.

There is a group exercise class for every person and almost every body part. The classes usually last for 30 to 60 minutes and are offered throughout the day.

A wide variety of classes are featured, including kickboxing, aerobics, pilates and salsa dancing.

This semester, a few new classes have been introduced. Intensity is a 45-minute workout with plyometrics and jump rope to tone up, while Power Cut is exclusively for strength building.

Temberly Mitchell, a member of the Student Recreation and Wellness staff, believes that some freshman won't make the most of the recreation center, but she encourages them to check it out.

"A lot of freshmen are shy, but there are a lot of classes," Mitchell said. "They are fun, and you hate working out by yourself."

"You can get a good workout," she said.

Most students have favorite classes. Sophomore Rebecca Koger enjoys going to Cycle Fit. "It was very intense," Koger said. "We listen to fast-paced music, and the pace of the class goes with the music."

"When I'm done with the class I feel so much better, like I've done something productive with my day," she said.

Koger said she believes the classes are very stress relieving. By attending the group exercise classes, students are sure to get a good workout and meet new people while having fun, not to mention it's included in the price of tuition.

Group exercise isn't the only means available for students looking to stay in shape. The Recreation Center has a 6,000 square foot fitness center that includes treadmills, free weights, stair climbers and elliptical machines.

"I come in here like three times a week," said freshman Branden Baker.

"I have to do some kind of workout every week," he said. "When I first started coming in here I was really small, but I keep coming in here to get big."

Students and faculty can purchase plans ranging from one to 12 sessions with a personal trainer. The first session will include a fitness health assessment that checks strength and endurance while also testing flexibility and cardio. All sessions afterwards will consist of strengthening and conditioning exercises that advance toward one's fitness goals.

"I can't wait to sign up for my personal training sessions," said junior Kimberly McDonald.