Whether it is jogging, mild aerobics, pushups or a pickup basketball game, physical exercise is a very effective way to stimulate both mind and body and to improve your ability to think and concentrate. And let's just get it straight -- dragging yourself out of bed is not considered a workout.
Collectively, college students tend to be an exercise-conscious group, but it's easy to let workouts go by the wayside when life gets busy. A surprising number of students can get out of the habit of regular exercise because they're spending so much time prepping for exams. However, it is a medical fact that sedentary people get less oxygen to the blood and hence to the head than active people. You can live fine with a little less oxygen; you just can't think as well.
The Ralph S. O'Connor Recreation Center offers students, faculty and staff numerous opportunities to enhance or maintain their current fitness level. The Student Recreation Center opened its doors in January of 2002. Approximately $14.3 million was raised to construct the O'Connor Center. It adjoined the Newton H. White Athletic Center, which opened in 1964. Since that time, the Rec. Center has enjoyed tremendous popularity among students, while varsity athletes generally make more use of the White Center. Director of Recreation and Facilities Bill Harrington estimates that over 1,000 students make use of the Rec. Center on a daily basis.
Various activities have been designed and are offered to meet the needs of its members. These programs include recreation, voluntary non-credit physical education, intramural sports, club sports and intercollegiate athletics.
The three-level Rec. Center offers a variety of weight and cardio equipment, an indoor track, an 18,000 square foot, four-court gym, a swimming pool, a 30-foot climbing wall, a number of racquetball/squash courts, a small classroom and an upper-level multi-purpose room, and a number of activities.
Students can take advantage of fitness classes that range from aerobics to Pilates to kickboxing. A class pass costs $40 per semester and allows students to attend as many different fitness classes as they choose to.
The facility offers a variety of instructional programs during the academic year. The Rec. Center has newly introduced the Aquatics Training School for those who are interested in becoming lifeguards or pool operators. Other instructional programs that are available throughout the year include CPR and first aid offered through the American Red Cross, as well as personal training classes.
During certain hours, a certified personal trainer even gives free advice during one-hour orientations on how to effectively and safely use the strength and conditioning areas of the Rec Center. Students have the option of signing up for personal training sessions and receiving a personalized training program.
Both the O'Connor Center and White Center have continued to improve and update their programs. Recently, the White Center renovated the swimming pool, improving its filtration, ventilation and lighting. In addition, the Homewood Field Course has been renovated during the summer.
Even if you don't spend your afternoons sweating in the Rec. Center, you can find plenty of active things to do on campus. You could check out intramurals, hijack a friend to go to the gym with you or just walk around campus as often as possible. Students often play Frisbee and football on the beach or lower quad. There are several tennis courts located next to AMR II. Students can also make use of the BIA baseball fields (past Homewood Field). Throughout the year, the O'Connor Center also provides many outdoor day trips, which have included hiking, canoeing and kayaking.
