Shape-up before you head south

Spinning class is held Monday through Saturday in the combative studio at the rec center.

Credit: Beth Rankin

OK, ladies and gentlemen, spring break 2005 is only seven weeks away. Is your body looking as good as it could?

Don’t worry if it’s not. You still have time to tone and shape-up before heading south. The Student Recreation and Wellness Center is hosting two free spring fitness incentive programs to help you get your body looking hot before March 21.

From Jan. 31 to March 18, students can “Spin to Daytona” or “Cardio to Cancun,” winning prizes along the way.

Spinning team leader Rachel Crum said Spin to Daytona is offered to anyone who spins (bikes) or would like to try it.

“It’s a fun way for people to keep track of any spinning classes they attend and give them a goal to work towards,” Crum said.

Once a participant registers for the program, the class instructors will track the miles biked in class by all participants.

Daytona Beach, Fla. is 960 miles from Kent. The goal for each participant in Spin to Daytona is to bike to Daytona just in time for Spring Break.

Cardio to Cancun, the second program offered, is similar to Spin to Daytona. Cardio to Cancun is designed to improve your cardiovascular endurance, encourage you to cross-train and get you ready for Spring Break.

For Caitlin Faas, freshman family and consumer sciences and psychology major, Cardio to Cancun is her inspiration to get out and continue going to the rec center during Kent’s freezing winter weather.

In Cardio to Cancun, participants can earn points by attending group fitness classes such as Spinning, Water Aerobics, Butts and Guts, Power Step, Awesome Arms, Total Body Toning and many more. Points also can be earned just by using the cardiovascular machines on the rec center’s fitness floor.

All you have to do is fill out a sign-in slip for each class. Turn the slips into the box at equipment issue on the fitness floor, and you will be awarded points for each slip. Get as many points as you can and earn cool prizes.

Crum said several prizes are offered in various categories for both programs. Participants can earn anything from a massage to shirts, gear or gift certificates from local businesses. Prize winners will be posted in the fitness studio and prizes will be available for pick-up starting March 29.

Spinning and cardio classes are offered several times throughout the week. Class schedules are available at the rec center or online at www.recservices.kent.edu.

Contact fitness reporter Tanika Snyder at [email protected].