Brenna Patrick
Staff Writer
As winter comes down on Pocatello, people may find it easier to hide inside and stop exercising. Don’t assume that because it’s cold there is no way to stay active and that it can’t be fun.
Campus Recreation and the Wellness Center in Reed Gym have plenty of ways to keep you busy all winter long.
Bill MacLachlan, associate director of the climbing wall and Campus Recreation, said the gym offers multiple physical activities for everyone.
For those who haven’t ventured into the gym much (or at all), the main exercise area contains weights on the first and second floors. Additional items like bikes, ellipticals and medicine balls are in the gym as well.
“We have a wide array of weights for strength training and cardio fitness training,” MacLachlan said.
“People quit working out because it gets boring,” he said.
MacLachlan said the key to staying active is to keep motivation high.
In the gym is a rock climbing wall that is open Monday through Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. On weekends, the climbing wall is open from 1 to 5 p.m.
For those interested in tennis, racquetball or basketball, the gym has respective courts. They are available during regular gym hours and are open to anyone.
Reserving a tennis court is the best option to make sure one is free when you want to use it. To do that, stop by the gym’s front desk and ask for the red folder with the sign-up sheet, said MacLachlan.
Runners hoping to avoid icy winds and icy sidewalks can use the gym’s indoor track.
A Bengal ID is all that’s needed to check out gym equipment for recreational use.
Students wanting an extra incentive to work out can sign up for the school’s one-credit physical education activity classes, which include classes like pilates, yoga and kickboxing.
Campus Recreation Director Doug Milder said staying active is important. He recommended that students join an intramural team or club.
Shelby Williams, ISU’s intramural director, agreed.
“Intramurals aren’t only just a good way to stay fit but it’s a good way to make new friends. It’s a good opportunity to get away from the mundane studying but still be involved,” said Williams.
Williams also said students can participate in a team individually or as a free agent, who only plays when a team has need of another player.
To join or organize a club or intramural team, students can visit imleagues.com/isu.
A GET-FIT program is run through the gym that can help students get through the icy winter.
Classes ranging from pilates to zumba to turbo kick are offered through the program.
GET-FIT registration costs are $25 for students and $35 for faculty, staff and alumni for the upcoming spring semester.
Strength classes are at 6 a.m., noon and 5 p.m. every day but Sunday. There are noon and 6:30 p.m. classes scheduled for the mind and body activities.
For the full schedule or to register, people can go to the Wellness Center or visit www.isu.edu/wellness.
Personal Trainer and GET-FIT Instructor Carri Curtis said the way to stay healthy at any time of year is to change things up and never get into a boring routine when it comes to staying physical.
Eating an adequate amount of protein if you’re strength training and eating healthy foods can help maintain your body to do the things it needs to do, said Curtis.
Personal trainers are available on-campus for those who want one. Talk to the wellness center to learn more about the trainers and costs.
Hours and more information can be found on the Campus Recreation website at www.isu.edu/camprec.
