"Give about two hours every day to exercise; for health must not be sacrificed to learning. A strong body makes the mind strong."
This quote from Thomas Jefferson greets all those that walk into the Aquatic & Fitness Center, causing some to cringe with guilt.
At Mr. Jefferson's University rated "Hottest for Fitness" by the Kaplan Newsweek College Guide in 2005, the student body here does give a fair amount of time to exercise -- even if it's not quite the two hours that the University's founder recommended.
Opportunities to exercise abound: short courses in dance, working out in the gym, jogging, intramurals, club sports, walking to class -- the list seems never-ending. Often, students will choose one or two of the numerous opportunities available and try to maintain a fairly regular schedule.
"I'm part of the ballet company, so we have advanced classes two times a week," first-year College student Lorna Schadeberg said. "And I go to the gym every day during the week after classes. I go to the AFC -- it's right across the street from where I live. I kind of have to plan it out so the minute after I get home, I have to get ready [to go to the gym] or I'll find something else to do. I have to have a routine."
Other students do not have a set schedule but exercise whenever they have some time to spare.
"The main thing I like to do is just go for a walk on the road that winds around Observatory Hill or the trails in the woods there," second-year College student Jack Abolt said. "I like it because it's just relaxing and it's easy to get to from where I live. Sometimes, if I have a big assignment and I'm trying to clear my mind, I'll go for a walk. I'm not on a regular pattern."
Many students find that working out in the gym is the most convenient way to get exercise. But even within the gym realm, there are numerous options, and many prefer one gym to another.
Fourth-year College student Ashley Clifton said she likes "North Grounds because it's less crowded and it's older people, usually."
On the other hand, second-year College student Jackie Geralnick prefers the Aquatic & Fitness Center.
"I like it because all the people there work really hard and it makes me work really hard too," Geralnick said.
Of course, despite the many exercise options, finding the time to take advantage of the opportunities can be a tremendous challenge. Students have various ways of making time for exercise.
"I mainly go at night, in between homework, so it's like a break," Geralnick said.
On the other hand, Clifton said she doesn't like to exercise at night.
"I usually like to go in the morning because I don't have classes until later," she said.
Many students said one way to help work exercise into busy schedules is to find something that's relaxing or fun, but still helps maintain one's physical fitness.
Intramurals, for example, provide an alternative to the traditional gym workout.
Third-year Engineering student Ryan Clohessy said he is involved in various intramural sports.
I like "just getting together with friends," Clohessy said. "I'm not so much into lifting weights or working out -- I'm more into social exercise. It's just a personal preference. When my friends and I have a free moment and are looking something to do, we'll go play racquetball or basketball."
Another alternative to working out in the traditional manner is dancing, through short courses, various clubs and organizations or just for fun.
"Last semester, there were only nine people in my tap short course, so it was really one-on-one," first-year Engineering student Kimberly Everett said, adding that she truly enjoyed the experience.
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