Rec center aids in healthier lifestyles | The SU Crusader

BY VIRGINIA LISCINSKY, STAFF WRITER

Do you want to stay in shape, but feel that running on the treadmill just isn?t very fun? Varsity sports and weight room aside, there are many efficient and exciting, yet little-known ways to stay fit this spring at Susquehanna.

For those who want to get off campus for an hour or two, stop by the info desk in Degenstein Campus Center first. According to Interim Coordinator of Greek Life Joseph Thompson, students can rent equipment from the Outdoor Recreation Center from there.

?Anything that?s really feasible for students to stay fit on campus, we try to have,? Thompson said.

The center offers tents, sleeping bags, backpacks and lots more for camping and hiking ? almost everything except boots, according to Thompson.

For water sports, Thompson said that the center has a dozen kayaks, at least four canoes, and inner tubes ?for those who just want to cruise down the river or Penn Creek.?

Roller blades, mountain bikes and yard games are also available for rent.

The Outdoor Recreation Center rents items by day and by weekend for students, staff and non-university members. Most items cost between $2 and $10.

?It?s really important for us to offer this stuff to students because we want them to stay fit,? Thompson said.

Thompson also said that the Bike Share program offers leisure bikes, as opposed to the mountain bikes the center has.

Director of Athletics Pamela Samuelson suggested that for hiking and biking off campus, students should visit the Isle of Que along the Susquehanna River.

There are also plenty of on-campus opportunities to stay in shape. Susquehanna offers intramurals such as indoor soccer, five versus five basketball, softball and club sports such as rugby, crew, ice hockey, karate, boxing and equestrian clubs.

Men?s soccer head coach and Director of Intramurals, Recreation and Club Sports Jim Findlay said that intramurals and club sports attract all types of students, from those who try out for varsity sports but don?t qualify, to those who played sports in high school but don?t want to play at as intense a level in college, to those who have never played these sports before.

Findlay also said that there are sometimes dodge ball and racquetball tournaments.

Intramurals, club sports and tournaments, Findlay said, ?are definitely more low-key, come in and have some fun? kind of sports.

Of course, working out at the gym is always an option. Samuelson said that students looking for a full-body workout should try the rowing machines, since they work the arms, legs and cardiovascular system.

Source: http://thesucrusader.com/?p=864

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