For two weeks, treadmills, elliptical machines, abdominal machines and free weight benches have been used more frequently at the campus recreation center.

The start of a new year means larger crowds and more trainees for recreation trainer and junior sport science and fitness management major James Jordan.

“I always notice a peak in the amount of people visiting the gym at the beginning of each semester. [First] in August because of the curiosity from freshmen eager to find out what the recreation center is all about, and then again in January due to all the ‘new year, new me’ attitudes and resolutions,” said Jordan.

Frequent center user Kenyon Ross, freshman sports science and fitness major, says he and his friends come to the center to work out everyday and they have noticed the crowd, but adds it is inconsistent.

“Sometimes we come in and almost every machine is taken, and other times, you can walk right up and use them,” said Ross.

Ross’ friend, Robert Ramey, mechanical engineering sophomore, said “its mostly the ladies who show up around this time trying to get spring break bodies overnight or just coming in here to watch us guys liftin weights.”

Regardless of the motive, working out is one of the best ways to keep the body healthy and reduce chances of acquiring diseases.

The most common diseases in the African Americans community are diabetes and hypertension (high Blood Pressure).

Furthermore, recreation center fees are included in tuition whether it is used by students or not, so some could argue that it would be wasteful not to use the facility.

Although there has been a dramatic increase in the number of students that visit the recreation center, it usually does not last beyond two months and until then, Jordan says, “to beat the crowd, the best time to come work out is between 12pm and 2pm.”

Bradford Parker, senior criminal justice major, works out multiple times a day in the recreation center, often cooks his own low in fat meals and eats little to no junk food to stay in shape.

He believes the fitness craze comes from a combination of new years resolutions and eagerness to get in shape for spring break.

“You should not need a new years resolution to jumpstart a healthier lifestyle and coming in a month or two before spring break usually is not enough time to shape up a whole semester of junk food eating,” said Parker.

What will get your body in shape for spring break?

Trainer James Jordan says, “a good balanced work out three times a week and sticking to a healthy diet is what college students should aim for.”

Parker suggest, “instead of trying to kill yourself by running on the treadmill, power walks on the treadmill are sure to get the heart rate up and burn calories.

Eating healthy and balanced workouts will pay off long term, not only for spring break.

Spring Break Body Tips

•Start by cleansing your system with cranberry juice and water. Cranberries are also known for preventing aging, diabetes and fighting cancer.

•The most important thing to do is CUT OUT THE JUNK FOOD. Add fruits and vegetables, as well as protein to your diet.

•Walk on the treadmill for a half hour at an incline of 10-15. Walking at an incline actually burns more calories than running and is much nicer on your joints.

•Turn flabby arms into muscle with:

•Pushups- get into push up position but instead of placing your hands flat on the ground hold onto weights. -Flies: lie flat on your back on a bench while holding weights above your head. Then, extend your arms so they are horizontal with the floor.

•Get that sexy stomach: Ab pull-ins and sit ups

•The absolute best way to tone your butt and calves is to do lunges. Hold 5-10 pound weights and lung up and down the hallway.

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• Courtney Matthews, Asst. Online Editor