FEBRUARY 08 BEARFIT NEWSLETTER

IS WEIGHT TRAINING IMPORTANT?

By Ruth Arumala, B.S, B.A.

Just a month ago, like so many others you may have set a goal to lose weight and get fit. Over the last 30 days, you have consistently logged in miles on the treadmill, elliptical, bicycle, or stair stepper. The needle on the scale has dipped a little, but you don’t see much change in the shape or size of your body. You may wonder, “What am I doing wrong?”  It is not what you are doing but what you are NOT doing that matters. You are ignoring weight training.

Cardiovascular exercise help you lose calories which may lead to a calorie deficit (if you are consuming less food than you are burning). This calorie deficit will lead to weight loss. Losing weight may be part of your goal but your ultimate result will be a smaller version of the same you. In order to shape and tone the body, you need to employ resistance training.

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends 2-3 days of resistance training every week. This can be achieved several ways. You may attend one of the 11 free group fitness classes that focus on weight training offered at the University Center (UC) aerobics studio. You may also choose to weight train on your own. If you are new to weight training, you may choose to purchase a number of personal training sessions. The trainer will teach you how to correctly use weight training equipment. Choose to train with weights and achieve your goal of a toned, tight body.

NEED HELP ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS?

Visit http://www2.mercer.edu/Recreation/Fitness+and+Wellness/Personal+Training.htm

Contact
Michael Bond at 478-301-2404 or bond_me@mercer.edu  
Ruth Arumala at 478-301-2370 or arumala_ro@med.mercer.edu 

HAVE A DATE AND FEEL GREAT!!!

Join us for a special Valentine’s Day couple workout. 45 exciting minutes will be dedicated to partner exercises that focus on the core muscles. This workout is suitable for both men and women. Don’t have a boyfriend/girlfriend? Bring a friend. Every individual attending the workout will receive 15 bearfit points. Each “couple” will also be entered in a drawing for a chance to receive a dinner for two at Luigi’s restaurant in downtown Macon (a value of up to $50). See you at 4pm on 2/14 in the UC Aerobics Room.

Presented by Mercer University Group Exercise Program

For more information contact Ruth Arumala: 301-2370, arumala_ro@med.mercer.edu

SPOTLIGHT ON GROUP EXERCISE INSTRUCTOR - Mary Tesar

Mary is completing her senior year at Mercer. Originally from Peachtree City, Georgia,

Mary has been teaching group exercise for about a year and loves teaching all types

of fitness classes. She is the instructor for Step Aerobics and Ab Lab. Mary stays busy and involved on campus with Phi Mu sorority, Up ‘til Dawn, and Mercer Ambassadors. She also enjoys shopping and working out on her own. Join Mary on Thursday nights for 2 dynamic workouts!

FUN! FRIENDS!! FITNESS!!!

TAKE A CLASS TODAY

For more information contact Ruth Arumala 301-2370, arumala_ro@med.mercer.edu

FITNESS GADGET OF THE MONTH

Are you looking to gain a full body workout in a limited amount of time? Invest in a bodywedge21. This fitness accessory is designed to keep fitness simple and fun. Just like the name implies, the bodywedge is shaped like an incline piece of foam with 21 different exercises printed on one surface. In addition to those exercises you can come up with creative ways to use to bodywedge to attain a higher level of fitness. The bodywedge21 is a great substitute for an exercise ball or a bench. It saves space in places like dorm rooms or apartments. It can be used with added resistance such as dumbbells or bodyweight. The bodywedge comes in 2 forms: nonslip ($79.99) and inflatable ($19.99). For more information or to purchase, visit http://www.bodywedge21.com/default.htm. You could also purchase an inflatable bodywedge from a limited supply at a discount at Marshalls store ($9.99).

WANTED!!!!!!!!

• Articles pertaining to wellness and fitness
• Of interest to the Mercer Community
• ~300 words
• Sources included
• Include contact information

Selected articles will be included in the newsletter!

Email to: arumala_ro@med.mercer.edu