EMU student Melissa Heatlie climbs aboard the elliptical and pedals smoothly to the beat of her favorite techno music, “Hyper Crush,” blaring in her ears. As the sweat begins to fall down so does her stress as she finds her demeanor becoming more calm and ready to take on her next form of exercise. Feelings of satisfaction eventually well up inside of her as she works her way down to the last machine to use for her day’s workout plan at Eastern’s Rec/IM.
Heatlie, a student here at EMU majoring in textiles and merchandising, is no stranger to the Rec/IM. She visits a good four to five times a week, mostly in the mornings before class, and finds it to be a good stress reliever and jump start for her day.
“It makes me feel good and accomplished after I work out,” she said. “I feel better prepared to take on the rest of my day. I also feel like I sort out a lot of things about my day as I’m exercising”
According to Michelle Owens, assistant director of student personnel, The Rec/IM averages 2,500 patrons a day, typically more in the winter semesters and on weekends.
Whether just hanging out over a game of pool or working the elliptical like Heatlie, the Rec/IM does get its share of visitors. But is it possible that even with this large amount of visitors there are still EMU students not using the Rec/IM to their advantage.
According to Brian Young, director of fitness programs at the Rec/IM and owner of B Young B Fit over on Washtenaw Avenue, students are not going to the Rec/IM as often as they should.
“It’s a challenge for me to develop programs and classes that can capture the student’s attention,” Young said. “We have 20 different classes at the Rec/IM ranging from dance classes to martial arts classes. I try to tell students about it and I feel students don’t know that the Rec /IM offers these kinds of things.”
To Young, the money spent on personal training is a national multi-billion dollar industry and the fact EMU students have this gym they can use for free is something all students should be taking advantage of.
“When I train people at B Young B Fit who are not affiliated with Eastern and I mention the prices at Eastern to take a class they are amazed, ‘I want to do that- it’s so cheap-I would kick those Eastern kid’s butts, they don’t know how good they have it,’ is what my clients say to me,” Young said.
According to Young, EMU offers 22 different classes for 14 weeks at $75.
“I hear students say, ‘oh $75 that’s too much’ when in reality I know so many students that spend that a night at a bar so it’s really not that much money when you think about it, especially when you are talking about something for your health,” Young said.
Rachel Helsper, a junior at EMU majoring in language, literature, and writing, said time management is one of the main reasons it is hard to get herself to the gym.
“It’s not convenient for me because I’m a commuter,” Helper said. “When I’m at Eastern I’m there for classes. I don’t want to go in between classes because I’ll get all sweaty to go to class and I don’t want to go at night either because I won’t feel safe.
“It is just hard to find the right time.”
According to Jackie Moffet, assistant director of intramural sports, students need to make time to exercise whether they have it or not.
“Before you go to bed at night even if it’s not at the Rec/IM – exercise,” Moffet said. “Get up 30 minutes earlier in the morning and find time to exercise if you have to.”
According to Moffet not only does the Rec/IM offer exercising but the opportunity to make lifelong friends.
“Students that are involved with intramural sports will often create lifelong bonds with their other team mates,” Moffet said. ”But not only that it teaches the students leadership skills since they would have to organize when the games would be played.”
Exercising is not only important with friendships and leadership but according to Shel Levine, associate professor for clinical exercise physiology, exercising at a young age can prevent students from becoming predisposed to the risks of heart disease, bad cholesterol, and bad blood pressure.
“In college you develop habits that last the rest of your life and if you become sedentary it tends to last into adulthood.” Levine said. “It is important to burn calories, reduce stress, maintain normal blood sugar levels, and keep your heart functioning efficiently. It is best to develop good exercise habits now so they can last you the rest of your life.”
It is clear that making time for the Rec/IM is making time to care about yourself whether it is through body image, health, or long lasting friendships. To learn more about the Rec/IM check out the website at www.emich.edu/recim.