During spring term, the Student Recreation Center is always filled with students trying to shed the extra weight they’ve packed on during the cold Eugene winter months before summer hits. However, sometimes it’s hard to know exactly what exercises to do to make the most of your workout. The personal training program at the recreation center is the perfect solution for students who want a little extra attention.
Signing up for the personal training program is simple. As long as you have a membership at the rec center, you are eligible, and full-time University of Oregon students are automatically members. All the personal trainers at the rec center have certificates from the American Council on Exercise. Trainers must also pass specific classes and continue their education to keep their personal trainer status.
“All the personal trainers are students and highly qualified,” senior and trainer Sasha Gorecki said. “You can pick up a personal training packet, fill it out, request a trainer (if you want) and then the head trainer will match you up with a personal trainer. It is up to the client to determine how long and how much he or she wants to meet and the trainer will program a workout.”
Students are encouraged to buy as little or many sessions as they want.
“I think it’s a great learning experience even if you just buy one session,” sophomore and trainer Taylor Sidore said. “Correcting form and really pushing someone is all they need to get the jump start to their own regimen.”
The training sessions come in several options from individual to small groups. For students that may not be as comfortable meeting with a trainer one-on-one, the group option is a great way to get the information you need in a collaborative environment, while still gaining helpful personal fitness tools.
“Small group training involves one to two trainers with three to eight participants. You meet two times per week for four weeks for a cost of $45,” senior and trainer Leigha Krick said. “It’s an awesome way to see if one-on-one personal training is something you are interested in.”
For students that are worried about the cost, the sessions can be charged to your student account and paid for at a later time. This program is also much less expensive than a program you would find at a typical gym.
While many may seek out the personal training program for short term results, it also can be a beneficial learning tool for long term personal fitness goals. And college is an opportune time to start.
“It is much easier to learn and adopt healthy behaviors when you are younger, so college is a great time to learn more and take control of your health,” Krick said. “Exercise is great because it will help you focus in class, sleep better, reduce stress and you will meet other people who are working to adopt a healthy, balanced lifestyle.”
For more information on the personal training program at the rec center visit the front desk and pick up a packet. What are you waiting for? It is time to get in shape.