Exercise becoming extinct

Less than 20 percent workout enough

Staying Active — Deciding to get into shape is a decision that could change a life.

Pristine rows of treadmills, rowers and stepmills wait to be used.

According to ABC, Centers for Disease Control released a study saying less than two out of ten Americans are getting the recommended level of exercise. Professor Brianne Kilbourne did not bat an eyelash at the statistics.

“It does not surprise me at all. Just because of the luxuries we have in the terms of technology and the pace of life, it’s so fast,” Kilbourne said.

Kilbourne teaches health promotion, athletic training and kinesiology at Liberty University. She said college students typically fall right into that statistic.

The majority of students are simply not making the time to exercise like they should. Kilbourne blames today’s extensive technology and lack of day-to-day activity. Students are overbooking themselves and exercise is not a priority.

Stephanie DiCesare is a sophomore who only makes it to the gym twice a week. Between academic coaching, tutoring and being a prayer leader, she cannot find time.

“Mentally, exercise helps people,” Junior exercise science major Bethany Smith said. Smith is an exercise science major.

Through her exercise prescription course she is learning to work with individuals at different fitness levels. Smith sees the consequences of not exercising.

“You can see it in everyday things,” Smith said. “You know, walking up stairs. You can tell they have lower self esteem.”

Benjamin Cook, associate director of fitness, has seen an increase in students utilizing the LaHaye Student Union’s resources.

“There has been an increase not only in the amount of participants, but also in the class average attendance,” Cook said.

Cook attributed this growing average in part to the growth of the school itself. Smith estimated the LaHaye Student Union accommodates about 4,000 students per day.

There are endless opportunities to be active at Liberty University, but Kilbourne does not think students should overrate simply being active.

“Do not make the mistake of thinking you need facilities to be active,” Kilbourne said. “All it takes is a choice. And it will not be easy.”

Kilbourne said the key is to schedule the gym in like schoolwork or any other activity.

“You’re going to have to sweat,” Kilbourne said.

Both Smith and Kilbourne advocate starters do not go too hard too fast. Kilbourne said students just starting can overwork it, then get discouraged and give up.

Smith added first-timers should keep it simple and make it something they enjoy.

Do not be afraid to ask for help, Kilbourne said. The LaHaye Student Center offers personal trainers that can help get students on the right track.

For freshman Alicia Kacinski, exercise is a vital part of her routine. Visiting the gym about five times a week, she enjoys it for more than the exercise.

“I usually use the gym as a study break, because for me running is a stress reliever,” Kacinski said.

Getting started is as simple as walking instead of taking the bus or parking farther away. Either way, it is the itty-bitty steps that get you started.

“It’s important to remember that you don’t have to have facilities to exercise. It’s about making the choice to be active,” Kilbourne said.

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