by Brenna Welch
The Cameron University Fitness Center is encouraging participation in exercise classes by hosting its Workout & Win Program during September.
The program gives patrons the opportunity to register for a drawing every time they attend a class.
At the end of the month, three separate drawings will be held for faculty, staff and students.
In previous years, prizes have included gift cards to area retailers such as Big 5 sports and the University Bookstore.
Fitness Center Manager Lindy Gourley said that she decided to host the Workout & Win Program at the beginning of the school year to encourage students, staff and faculty to tryout the exercise classes.
Coupons to enter the month-long drawing are available from group exercise instructors. The program began on Sept. 1 and will run until the end of the month.
All exercise courses at the Fitness Center are free with morning and evening classes taught throughout the week.
Subjects include Zumba, Running/Walking, Kettlebell and Interval/Circuit Training.
According to Gourley, Kettlebell is a new class. Kettlebell is a dynamic workout that involves cast iron weights. The exercise incorporates endurance, strength, balance, agility and cardio training.
Kettlebell classes meet on Wednesday from 6 to 7 a.m. and on Thursday from 5:50 to 6:20 p.m.
The Running/Walking Program classes meet on Monday and Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.
Interval/Circuit training is available Tuesday and Thursday from 6 to 7 a.m.
Zumba classes meet on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.
Zumba is one of the most popular classes offered. Gourley contributes its popularity to its features
on television. Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance-fitness program that combines Latin dance moves with cardio aerobic exercise.
Amina Fix, a senior in the Biology Department, attends Zumba twice a week. Amina enjoys the Workout & Win Program because it helps motivate her to attend.
“It’s a great cardio workout. You don’t even realize you are burning calories until you look down and your shirt is soaked through,” Fix said.
New incoming freshman, Amber Holt, a Communication major, has not attended any exercise courses, but she said the Workout & Win has motivated her to try the classes.
By offering rewards programs new students, like Holt, have more reasons to try the CU Fitness Center and build lasting exercise habits and routines.
Gourley said that she hopes the program will increase interest in the Fitness Center. Class attendance is not recorded; however, she said that it is easy to tell when participation in group exercise classes increases.