Shannon KeoughThe smell of dripping sweat, the sound of heavy weights hitting the ground and people anxiously working hard to enhance their physique is what you will find when entering the fitness center.
“When I go to the gym I feel pumped and ready for the day,” junior business administration major Joe Spence, said.
With the increasing popularity of eating healthy and the obsession of staying in shape, physical fitness is at an all-time high.
“I go to the gym to look good and as a personal challenge for myself,” Spence said.
Cabrini has a lot of opportunities available to improve your fitness.
Weightlifting not your forte? Not a problem. There are several different aerobics classes offered in the Dixon Center, for example, water aerobics, pilates, numerous level yoga classes, cardio and even boot camp classes, which is the craze right now across the country. Some new classes include kickboxing and cycling.
“We offer a variety of programs so that we are able to reach out to all interest levels,” Fitness Director Jess Huda said.
If the Dixon center is a far walk from your dorm, Cabrini is now offering programs in the residence halls on certain nights. Classes are free for all students.
“So there really is no excuse for not making time to be healthy and workout,” Huda said.
These classes are offered Monday through Saturday, with various classes throughout the day starting at 8:30 a.m., and the latest class ending at 8 p.m.
Dieting is a big part of staying physically fit. A healthy diet consists of eating the right amount of portions and not overeating. As well as eating food that is healthy for you such as lean vegetables, a starch, a grilled protein – such as chicken or fish – and cutting out calories such as sweets as well as soda.
“Having a proper diet is just as important if not more important than exercising itself,” Spence said.
The gym here at Cabrini is the most crowded between the hours of 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Your best bet is to go in the morning or later in the evening when it is less crowded because there are more machines and equipment available.
How does Cabrini’s gym in the Dixon Center compare to other gyms?
“Cabrini’s gym is more of a fitness gym than a heavy weight lifter’s gym. There are not heavy enough weights, and there is no squat rack, which is basic equipment every gym should have especially for all the athletes here to help strengthen their legs,” Spence said.
The Dixon Center welcomes suggestions to help improve the gym.
“We will continue to evaluate our classes and make sure that we are providing what the students want. I welcome any suggestions from the Cabrini community as to what classes they would like to see, that we may not already offer,” Huda said. Why is it so important to work out? Working out does not only keep you healthy, strong and physically fit, but helps build your confidence. And when your confidence is high, you can achieve anything.
“I love the gym and the equipment. It’s somewhere to go when you need to relieve stress,” junior elementary education and special education major Sara Trzuskowski said.
