During the Spring 2015 semester, the Shannon Center has many events planned to keep the students at Saint Xavier University and the surrounding community happy and healthy.
Kristy Allen, Assistant Facility Manager and Intramural Director spoke via email to The Xavierite about all the opportunities available at the Shannon Center this spring.
“Students can run or walk on the indoor track, workout in the fitness center and take group exercise classes that take place at various times,” said Allen.
The upcoming semester not only offers students the running track and the workout room, but organized programs focusing on weight loss, and a fit and active lifestyle. If it is difficult find time to make it out for daily exercise and physical activity, it might be beneficial to sign up for one of the Shannon Center’s programs.
“The Biggest Loser, Indoor Duathlon and Nutrition Weight Loss Class are all available for SXU students, faculty, staff, alumni, Shannon Center members and also the community. The Shannon Center’s Annual Health Fair will be on Friday, March 20th and is free and open to the community. The Health Fair offers free screenings and health assessments in addition to valuable information on health, fitness and nutrition,” said Allen.
The Indoor Duathlon will take place February 15, 2015 and usually has about 30 to 40 people in attendance.
The Nutritional Weight Loss program will have about 20-25 people attending.
One of the more popular events, having between 40 and 80 participants, the Biggest Loser Challenge welcomes students who want to work out and lose weight with a team.
Students do not need to join as a team, but will be placed in one of two teams upon signing up.
“The Biggest Loser encourages participants to lose 5% or more of their starting body weight.
Participants are divided into two “teams” and given a coach.
The coach will send weekly emails and fitness tips to help participants stay motivated and help them to achieve their goals.
The benefit of participating in Biggest Loser is having the accountability to weigh in each week and report their weight for the challenge. It helps keep people focused and motivated when participating in a group challenge versus doing it on their own!” said Allen.
If these programs do not appeal to students but they are still interested in getting involved with an event at the Shannon Center or around campus, there are other ways to do so.
The Shannon Center is also an affordable option for those on a budget.
“The Shannon Center is free for all students. We offer free fitness orientations to show students how to use the machines in the fitness center and there are also personal trainers available to sign up and workout with. The group fitness classes are also free for students (except yoga on Mondays and Fridays which is $5.00 per class) and are open to people of all fitness levels,” said Allen.
Students who have never gone before have no reason not to, either.
“There are always new people attending classes so students shouldn’t feel intimidated to try one out,” said Allen.
One final way to become more active during the Spring 2015 semester would be to join and intramural.
“Intramurals are also a great way for students to get involved, meet new people and stay active. The Intramural schedule is available online at www.my.sxu.edu Keyword: Intramurals. Students can sign up individually or with a team for all activities,” Allen said.
All are encouraged to attend events throughout the semester.
Most of the events require pre- registration so if anyone is interested in signing up for any of these activities or for information about the Shannon Center,
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they can contact the Shannon Center front desk, email Kristy Allen at kallen@ sxu.edu, or visit Saint Xavier’s website.
However, students should be mindful of the times when the Shannon Center is available to them.
“The Shannon Center is open from 6am – 9:30pm Monday – Thursday, 6am – 8:30pm on Fridays and 9am – 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays. The track is closed from 3 – 5pm for Track practice and basketball games. (See a monthly calendar for closing dates and times.) Students can work out before, after and in between classes,” said Allen.
Julie Gardner
News Editor