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WWW.KANSAN.COM/FEATURES
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
TALK TO US: Contact Amanda Beglin at (785) 864-4810 or features@kansan.com
MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2001
Slim gym
KU exercise experts give healthy advice as temperatures cool and students move their workouts indoors. Story by Linda Mendez
It's that time of year again: KU basketball, winter coats, walking to class in the freezing cold — and no more exercising outside.
At least, that's what doctors and exercise scientists from the American Council on Exercise suggest.
suggest. They said that working out in the frigid cold can be anything but conducive to good health When exercising in extreme cold, people are in danger of suffering from hypothermia, dry skin and winter colds.
Some students will bundle up and exercise outside while braving the winter storms, but
others will head to the gym to find a suitable indoor workout plan.
indoor workout plan The council said there were seven primary characteristics when seeking a gym for these chilly months;
Location
Find a gym that is close to home. People are more likely to skip a workout when it's inconvenient to go.
Classes
Make sure the gym offers a variety of classes to ensure its members are never bored.
Staff
Stan Because they are there to help, they should be dependable and knowledgeable.
Hours
Find a gym that is open during times that can mingle with a work or class schedule.
"Try it before you buy it."
Try it before you buy it.
Many gyms offer a trial membership before an official membership.
Reputation
Ask friends or current members what they think of the gym. Word of mouth can be very helpful.
Little details
Finding the perfect gym often goes hand-in
Is the gym clean? Is the equipment functioning? Is it too busy during key workout times? Is there a nice locker room?
Sarah Litherland, Plymouth, Minn., freshman, begins her nightly exercise ritual with the climbing machine. This machines simulates running or speed walking uphill.
hand with finding the perfect exercise schedule.
Jill Urkoski, coordinator of KU fitness services, said finding a workout plan that was appropriate for students depended entirely on their objectives.
then objectives.
"You have to know what you're looking for and then find a workout plan that suits your goals." Urkoski said.
Mike Carrer, a graduate student in exercise physiology, said, "If you're looking to lose weight, you should combine more cardio work with strength training."
Of 75 women informally surveyed at the University, 73 percent said their primary goal at the gym was to lose weight.
A good way to find an appropriate health plan is to have a fitness assessment.
Through the health, sports and exercise science department, the University offers a performance evaluation that can evaluate athletic abilities and suggest a person's optimal workout.
The evaluation, which costs $25, includes a height and weight check, body fat determination, cardiovascular testing, muscle performance evaluation, flexibility testing and an exercise prescription.
For more information about the evaluation call 864-0799 or go to 122 Robinson.
Carrer said consistency was a major part of an effective exercise plan.
an effective exercise is a stress to the body," he said. "Like any other stress, you need to give your body time to adapt."
This adaption happens with consistency.
Carrer suggested continuing the same exercise cycle for four to six weeks. Then, enhance the exercise plan — the body can adapt while being challenged to become more fit.
being challenged to become more But many students need an extra push to keep exercising—a way to reward themselves.
Urkoski suggested listening to music — the beat may keep students moving and make time pass quickly. Television is an option in several local gyms, including the new Burge Union fitness center.
ess center Also, Urkoski said, work out with friends.
Also, Brown "It's nice to have a motivational partner when you're exercising and it can also be rather entertaining," he said.
Another part of healthy living and effective exercise is eating properly.
Above: Adam White, Derby, freshman, pulls a couple of sets from the pulley machine to help build his triceps.
EN-KAE CHANG/KANSAN
John Tran (standing), and Sam Roh (seated), Overland Park sophomores, begin their nightly workout with a few sets of curls. This form of workout builds upper-body strength.
Exercising for 45 minutes a day would be difficult without carbohydrates, and gaining muscle would be next to impossible without the appropriate amount of protein.
the appropriate action. Urkoski said that when all else failed, the health-conscious should revert to the food pyramid.
"It's a great resource for those of us who know little about nutrition," he said.
Both Urkoski and Carrer said that students who had a complete and balanced diet would not need to take supplements. All necessary protein, carbohydrates and folic acids can be obtained from fruits and vegetables.
obtained from friends and
Nutritionists are available at Watkins Memorial Health Center. Appointments cost $10
for an initial visit and $7 for each follow-up
visit. For more information, call 864-9575.
Contact Mendez at 864-4810
See Dick use a Fake I.D. See Jane walk away instead. See Dick get into trouble with the police. See Jane with her friends.
MUST BE 21 TO ENTER
MUST BE 21 TO ENTER
Don't be a Dick. Possession of a fake I.D.can get you a $300-$1000 fine, $85 alcohol training class and/or up to 6 months in jail. Lending an I.D. can get you a $300-$2500 fine, $85 class and/or up to 1 year in jail.
Watkins Health Center available to you 60 hours/week. Call 864-9507 for an appointment.
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