“If you haven’t gotten your health, you haven’t gotten anything,” or so it goes according to Count Rugen of the Princess Bride.
As extreme as is it may sound, Count Rugen is on to something. Without good health, juggling academics, a job, family, friends, hobbies and those fourteen other commitments becomes nearly impossible.
Unfortunately, for many people when commitments pile up, maintaining a healthy lifestyle takes the back burner.
Contrary to popular belief being in good health means more than just not running a fever. The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
Over the next few weeks, the Technique will feature articles pertaining to different aspects of a healthy lifestyle.
This issue focuses on the importance of physical activity and maintaining an active lifestyle.
When life gets hectic the exercise routine is one of the first things to go.
John F. Kennedy once said, “physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity,” and experts agree.
It is well known that physical activity is a key component of maintaining physical health, but studies have shown that regular exercise can lead to increases in brain cell development and connections, improving learning and memorization.
Tech’s hub for physical fitness and activity is the CRC, which was recently voted number one college athletic facility by the Princeton Review.
With a myriad of programs and classes, exercise does not have to be boring.
Christie Stewart is the Associate Director for Healthy Lifestyle Programs, which include G.I.T.F.I.T programs, intramural sports, sport clubs and outdoor recreation.
“It doesn’t matter what you do – if you want to go to a fitness class, if you’re going to be downstairs lifting weights, if you’re going on a hiking trip, or if you’re playing an intramural sport.
We just want you to find something at the CRC to be involved in,” Stewart said.
Melissa Nesbitt, a fourth-year ISyE, a personal trainer and group fitness instructor at the CRC said, “I like to exercise because I like pushing my limits and seeing what my body can do. It helps me put school and everything else aside and makes me feel strong.”
For outdoor enthusiasts, the CRC’s Outdoor Recreation department (ORGT) encourages students to get active outdoors by offering instructional programs, organized trips and equipment rental for those who desire to brave the elements on their own.
“It can be a very freeing experience to get out there. You’re getting that physical activity in but you’re also having a great time and meeting a lot of new people,” Stewart said.
For students struggling to find their go-to physical activity or sport amongst those that already offered at Tech, there is a process in place through which students can start their own sports club.
“We already have a lot of diverse programs, but we are always open to new ideas. We just try to offer something for every student here,” Stewart said.
Physical activity is an essential part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle. “Ultimately, the only thing you are going to stick with is something you enjoy doing or feel good about doing,” Stewart said.
Read next week’s paper for an article about the importance of nutrition.