???Students who seek a healthier and happier lifestyle in 2009 can lace up their running shoes and break a sweat at one of UB's fitness centers. However, it may take more than an out-of-date treadmill and free weights to achieve that new image.
???Packed schedules, part time jobs and social obligations can eat up the majority of students' time, but over the last few years UB has expanded fitness hours in an effort to increase their use by accommodating more students' schedules.
???In the past few years, new machines have been placed in Alumni Arena and Clark Hall to reduce wait times for students, as well as make the commitment to exercise easier to maintain.
???Improvements to facilities, such as the cardio deck on the second floor of Alumni and new treadmills and elliptical trainers in Clark, have widened students' set of fitness options.
???According to Marcus Hutchins, the director of Recreational Services, there has been a 35 percent increase in the use of recreational services and fitness facilities at UB over the past three years.
???The array of facilities and their locations make it so students never have to travel far in order to stay in shape at UB. Residents on North Campus can visit fitness centers at Alumni Arena and Hadley as well as Governors and Richmond halls, while those on South Campus can visit the facilities in Clark and Goodyear halls.
???While cold weather is a popular excuse for students to avoid the gym, other barriers that keep them away are their unfamiliarity with the equipment and workout techniques.
???The good news for all UB students is that the fitness centers have many services that are geared toward gym novices as well as those who are more experienced gym-goers. There is likely a program or service that fits the athletic abilities and goals of anyone who is interested.
???Off-campus and on-campus students alike can receive personalized consultation and other services in Alumni at the student Fitness Center. Rather than joining a private gym, which can be very costly, UB offers students a wealth of possibilities at a significantly lower price than most gyms.
???Director Philip Ryan and his staff offer consultation services and body fat calibration to better address each individual's health and fitness needs, while stressing the importance of combining healthy diet with a regular exercise regimen.
???Services range from a minimal fee of $20 for a consultation and fitness program set-up, to $61 for a more comprehensive service that includes a full physical fitness exam and program.
???The physical fitness exam includes tests of cardiovascular function, upper body strength, lower body strength and flexibility. Students may also choose to use the Bod Pod, a state of the art machine that some NFL teams use to calibrate body fat.
???This method is quick, easy and costs $20. The results of these body fat calibration tests can be helpful for students to find out how physically fit they are and to set fitness goals.
???During consultation sessions, students meet with Ryan or other staff to pinpoint their physical strengths and weaknesses in order to design a personalized exercise regimen to get into shape.
???Students can find helpful information about prices and services at the UB Athletics Web site.
???Additionally, students may choose to work with personal trainers who can develop personalized programs to help figure out personal strategies.
???According to Ryan, people who eat properly and exercise regularly will not only have a sense of personal satisfaction and confidence, but they will improve the condition of all their bodily functions and improve the function of their immune system.
???"You've only got one body and you've got to take care of it." Ryan said.
???Besides, relaxing in the warmth and comfort of students' rooms will feel even better after a great workout.
Photo: Breadchastick / Wikimedia Commons
