University Recreation's 'Fitness U' Program Aims to Educate About Exercise

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Donna Axum Fitness Center

Unfamiliarity and apprehension with exercise principles, facilities or equipment are common constraints to following through with intentions to exercise. An endless supply of information can be found through television, magazines and the Internet, but so many choices can be confusing, and may not be applicable to the specific equipment that is available to you. Diverse and state-of-the-art machines found in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Building open opportunities for exercise, and learning how to use them shouldn’t be difficult or intimidating. Even those with the best of intentions can find themselves wondering, “How do I get started? What am I supposed to do?”

University Recreation wants to ensure that all who are motivated to utilize the HPER Building for exercise have the proper knowledge and confidence to do so. Fitness U helps participants gain a better understanding of exercise principles, fitness center equipment layout, and how to utilize this equipment for effective strength and cardiovascular workout plans.

This four-week session consists of a once-weekly class led by UREC certified Personal Trainers that contain both instructional and activity-based components. Learning outcomes include the ability to make a safe and effective strength and cardiovascular workout plan, as well as the ability to navigate and utilize the equipment available in the Donna Axum Fitness Center.

During the fall 2011 semester, Fitness U will be offered on Wednesday nights from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. from Sept. 21 through Oct. 12. Cost is $20 for the four-week session. To register, visit the University Recreation membership office in HPER 225 on Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Those eligible to register are U of A students and HPER members. For more information, please contact Katie Helms at khelms@uark.edu or 575-4684.