Stepping it Up for Health

by Megan Lynch
FOR THE POST

For many Ohio University students, coming back to school involves getting rid of some of the things they brought into the New Year–including unhealthy habits and extra pounds.

"After the holiday, I have to trim off the pounds," said OU freshman Angie Wingfield after completing a Sunday night Step ‘n Sculpt class at the bustling Ping Center. "This is my second time here ever."

Humming with the sounds of treadmills, Stairmasters, bouncing basketballs and weights, Ping Center is perhaps the Mecca for students trying to make up for their holiday indulgences and prepare for spring break

At one time last week, more than 90 people were in the weight room, and Ping Center staff had to turn people away from the free-weight room, said Melissa Toretch, assistant director of Ping Center.

For a more efficient workout, Toretch advised going to Ping Center early in the day because peak time is between 3 and 11 p.m. She also suggested beginning any new program gradually, always stretching before exercising, drinking plenty of water and even considering working with a personal trainer.

Kim Valentour, director of WellWorks, the fitness center located in the Tower at Peden Stadium, said to keep in mind what she calls SMART goals when changing lifestyles. These goals are Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Realistic and Time-bound.

"Try to focus on the food pyramid where the majority of food come from grains," she said. "It works, and it’s not a fad weight-loss program."

Charlene Kopchick, OU director of Health Education and Wellness, emphasized the importance of eating at least three servings of calcium with any health regimen to prevent osteoporosis. Students also should find an activity they enjoy and take small steps to avoid frustration or burnout.

For students who eat regularly at the dining halls, Greg Hopkins, director of dining services, said OU offers a variety of healthy foods. He cited salad, cooked vegetables, a deli, soups and baked goods.

Even the fried foods are cooked in Canola oil, which is the healthiest process possible, he said.

Jefferson Dining Hall now posts signs describing nutritional content above several hot food selections so students can make more informed choices. Hopkins said he would eventually like to do this in all of the dining halls.

For students who need additional help making healthy lifestyle changes, the department of Health Education and Wellness, working with experts from the Ping Center, offers the NEW Program. This acronym stands for Nutrition, Exercise and Wellness, Kopchick said.

Within this program, participants confront the mental and physical issues involved in starting and maintaining good health, she said.