With all that the life of a University student entails, how is there time to follow Jefferson's advice -- so blatantly posted at University fitness centers -- to devote two precious hours of your day to physical activity?
There isn't, and that is why many students have taken multitasking to an entirely new level. According to them, the gym is the perfect place to combine strenuous physical exercise with intellectual, cultural and philosophical pursuits.
Upon walking into any of the University's gymnasiums, it is common to find students doing more than simply working out. Many of those striving for physical fitness are simultaneously reading magazines, newspapers or books, while others are studying for exams, watching television or listening to music.
As beneficial as it can be to devote total attention to the task at hand, something as repetitive and hamster-like as running on a machine is perhaps not the most intellectually stimulating activity. Reversing direction on the elliptical may help things for a while, but that kind of spice won't keep most students going through the cooldown. A large number of elliptical and treadmill users distract themselves through music.
"I listen to upbeat music because it keeps a nice, fast-paced, regular beat which really helps my cardio workout," first-year Engineering student Kelly Connors said. "While I'm doing a constant monotonous workout, it keeps me motivated."
Not only does music distract students from the sometimes tedious task of exercise, but it can also transform the gym setting into one that is more motivational.
"I usually listen to movie themes like 'Last of the Mohicans' or 'Gladiator,'" first-year College student George Lynch said. "I start thinking about battle scenes and it makes it easier to lift."
Some students go so far as to coordinate their workouts with their music.
"I'm so focused that I change the resistance so I'm actually striding with the beat of the music," first-year College student Erin Campbell said.
Listening to music can help distract students from the pain as well as the repetition of exercising.
Car rides provide the perfect chance to listen to favorite CDs or new hits on the radio, but many students, namely underclassmen, are vehicle-deficient. As they work out, students can focus on lyrics as well as exercise.
"I like listening to music while working out because you get to focus on the words and lyrics," first-year College student Mayce Haj-Ali said. "I don't have a lot of time to appreciate it and really listen to it,"
Others have a different point of view.
"I like to concentrate on exactly what I'm doing," first-year College student Ricky Riley said. "I'm inexperienced in weight-lifting, so I don't want to get hurt. Besides, [the gym is] playing music anyway."
A rigorous academic courseload may not leave much time to read for pleasure, catch up on the news or even finish assignments.
"I don't usually get a chance to read, except while I'm on the bike," said first-year College student Jack Walker as he read a magazine while working out at Slaughter.
Studying notes at the gym is an efficient way to make the most of time, according to students.
"You just get things done quicker," first-year College student Lillian Man said. "Multitasking is the way to go."
The physiological effects of exercising are also favorable for pondering important issues with a clear mind.
"When I'm running or lifting weights, I think about big things like creationism versus evolution," first-year College student Andy Hasty said. "It's the best time because my head is clear."
Some students stick with the same topics in their thinking sessions every time they work out.
"I only ever think about two things at the gym -- one, the validity of theories regarding the meaning of life, including the origin of our cosmos as we know it, and two, the number of hot mamas that will swoon in my presence, because that's how buff I feel right now," third-year College student Adi Halthore said.
While some search for universal truths, others devote their thoughts to answers that come more easily and with immediate effects.
"I usually go over to the AFC with my iPod to clear my head," first-year College student Nick Clark said. "I've written entire outlines in my head on the treadmill when I have a paper due."
When at the gym, second-year Engineering student Allan McBride asks himself, "Why am I here?"
Whether he is looking for his purpose in life or wondering what drove him to put himself through the pain of lifting weights, perhaps he will find the answer.
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