Health Matters: Fitness
Hitting the gym for a great new year — the deadline to register for FitRec classes is today, January 30
Many people make staying in shape a resolution for the new year, but by the end of January, getting to the gym isn’t always a priority. Luckily, BU’s Fitness and Recreation Center offers a range of affordable options, including dance, rock climbing, weight lifting, and yoga. Class prices range from $40 to $145 for FitRec members, and classes start at various points throughout the semester.
"Fitness is important because of the benefits to your cardiovascular health — it makes your heart pump sufficiently, so it doesn’t have to work as hard," says Rossella Avitabile-Muller, the coordinator of fitness at FitRec. "If you’re doing muscular strength and endurance work, it helps boost your metabolism and strengthen your bones, which is very important for women, who have to worry about osteoporosis. Plus, exercise helps psychologically as well. It reduces stress and relaxes you."
Enrollment in FitRec classes numbers about 4,500 a semester, according to Ramelle Adams, the coordinator of noncredit instructional programs. Classes can be fun or functional, such as the lifeguarding courses that help students prepare for summer jobs. Cycling, aerobics, and rock climbing are established favorites, but students can suggest new classes by e-mailing Adams with their ideas.
This semester’s options include a Gear Up for Spring Break class, which designs a fitness routine for groups of three people trying to get in shape for spring break. Last year’s early-evening Happy Hour Workouts are back as well: February’s lineup includes Cardio Kickboxing, Bootcamp, Fat Burn, and Stretch and Sculpt. All Happy Hour classes cost $3 each, are open to any student, and prior registration is not necessary.
Some classes start this week. Register online or in person at the Registration Office, on the second floor of FitRec, at 915 Commonwealth Ave. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, click here.
Amy Laskowski can be reached at amlaskow@bu.edu.
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