Category | News

Health Beat: Other forms of exercise can keep you in shape

Published on February 8, 2007 by The Sentinel

    According to the Surgeon General, over 60 percent of college students
are not getting the suggested amount of regular physical activity. The
report goes on to say that 25 percent of all adults are sedentary or
inactive. With the advent of TV, Americans have become more sedentary
with each passing decade. Computers and video games have merely
exacerbated the problem. Washing clothes or cleaning the dishes is the
most activity many people see in an average day.

The
traditional view of exercise is one of burning muscles and dripping
sweat. This is indeed necessary if the desired results include a
muscular physique or a well-toned, athletic body. For those in the
majority, general good health is all that is required for a sense of
well-being. Unfortunately, most people do not know how to achieve the
maximum benefit with the appropriate effort.

For those with the
time and desire, but not the cash flow required for a fitness center
membership, KSU students need look no further than the Student Wellness
and Recreation Center. This cost for the use of this facility is
included in student fees, so all that is required to use the facility
is a valid student ID. Guests of students can use the facilities for a
fee of $5. The recreation center includes areas for strength and
conditioning, cardiovascular training, floor exercise and stretching
and circuit training.

One fun, low-impact way to get in shape is
Pilates. This method has been known to very beneficial if practiced
faithfully. The primary focus is on increased lung capacity,
circulation, strength and flexibility. The main body focus is on the
muscles of the abdomen and back. Posture, balance and core strength can
all benefit from Pilates. Bone and joint health can improve as well.

Low-impact
body sculpting includes aerobic and anaerobic conditioning with the use
of free weights, hand weights or body bars. The terms “aerobic” and
“anaerobic” refer to the presence and absence of oxygen, respectively.
Aerobic exercise, which can consist of brisk walking or jogging, is
low-intensity and uses the oxygen in the body more efficiently by
keeping the heartbeat at about 65 percent of its maximum rate. These
exercises focus on promoting a healthy cardiovascular system. Anaerobic
exercises, which include sprinting and weight lifting, focus on
increasing muscle mass through quick and intense activity. In the right
combination, both can lead to better overall health.

Many other group exercise activities are offered by KSU through the Intramurals & Recreation Services department.

For
more information about activities offered through KSU check out:
http://www.kennesaw.edu/student_life/intramurals.shtml or call
770-499-3207.