There is an opportunity on campus in the Collegiate Fitness program for any student who's ever looked in a mirror and wanted to change their appearance.
Mike Denning is the director of the program and provides clients with personal trainers. This service provides students an opportunity to receive private workout sessions and learn how to best utilize weight training.
There are currently six trainers on staff that are available to help you achieve your dream goal of that perfect body.
Whether you are looking to bulk up and gain muscle, want to tone your body, or just want some resistance training, having a personal trainer is a great way to stay in shape and get fit.
"It is up to the individual on how far they want to go," Denning said. "The entire process is built on trusting others and if you do, you will change and make good progress and like the way you look."
Denning recommends that his clients have at least one session per week. He also believes it is important for people to work out on their own time about two to three times a week.
The sessions only last for one hour. Cardio exercise is to be done on your own time and is not included in the hour.
The price for a session is $20. This is relatively cheap compared to off-campus health facilities that charge between $40 to $80 per session.
"It is cheap so students can afford it," Denning said. "We don't want to hear people say they can't work out because it is too expensive."
The Buffalo campus has three different health facilities where people can work out. The Richmond Quadrangle gym, Clark Hall on South Campus, and Alumni Arena are all available for sessions.
Working out frequently allows an individual to have more energy during the day. It also provides more responsibility on the person to continue to go to the gym on a daily basis.
Denning's favorite part of his job is helping people lose weight and change their body composition.
"I am not doing this job for the money," Denning said. "It feels good to help others and that's why I still work here. I love two to three weeks into the session when people come up to me and they notice a difference. Then two to three months later, they are even more excited after losing their weight and looking better."
The training doesn't just stop once the session is over. Every client has to watch what they eat and make time to continue to work out on their own. Denning says that what people eat is an important factor whether one succeeds or fails.
"How you look and feel is 60 to 70 percent based upon your diet," Denning said. "Students have to watch what they eat and instead of eating pizza and snack foods, they can try something else. In the dorms, stir-fry is available that has different vegetables in it and is more healthy."
The entire training process does not happen in one day. It takes time and the trainers are looking for ambitious, patient, open-minded and persistent clients that might want to change how they look.
"This is not a sprint, it is a marathon," Denning said. "We are just asking for people to experience a training session, then go home and think about it and then make a final decision."
The future of the training program is looking good. Right now, there are about 15 to 20 people participating in the sessions. With the new look in the Alumni Arena gym, the workout experience will change and create an even better atmosphere.
Another program being set up next semester is called the "pump and run." This is a run that will be held outdoors and will promote fitness conditioning and getting and staying in shape.
If you are interested in acquiring more information about personal training, you can contact Mike Denning at denningfitness@gmail.com and mention UB training in the subject.
"Personal training is a great experience that will change the way you look, feel and act," Denning said. "It is tough in the beginning, but it is enjoyable after time and the progress that you can make is amazing."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
