Train right: get a personal trainer at the Depot

The evidence of hard work beads down Shawnsey Narcencio’s face even as he stopped to rest between sets. Narcensio, a graduate student at GCSU, makes the most of his opportunity to work out at the Wellness Depot, GCSU’s campus fitness center.
“It’s one of the few things I can do where I can see improvement,” Narcensio said. “I like to challenge myself.”
 As one of the many students who utilize GCSUs fitness center, Narcensio enjoys physical activity.  But, be warned, the satisfaction of completing a tough workout does not always translate into a smart workout.
For this reason, the Exercise Science program offers students an opportunity to receive training advice from students studying within the exercise science program who are knowledgeable about the “do’s and don’ts” of having a personal training routine.
Any GCSU student or faculty member can sign a list at the Depot if they desire to get extra guidance and advice while trying to shape up this school year.  An exercise science major will set up a proper program composed of weightlifting, cardiovascular exercise, and nutritional recommendations for those who desire to sign up.  Faculty members will be paired with a personal trainer to consistently work with them for the duration of the semester. The sign-ups are on a first come, first served basis.
Regardless of one’s current level of fitness, all students are encouraged  to use the depot and exercise the opportunity of maintaining good physical health.
Doctor Michael Martino, program coordinator for the exercise science program, carefully oversees the trainers and has kept GCSU on the cutting edge of new information and research concerning human health and physical fitness since his arrival at GCSU nine years ago.
“It’s a simple way to have someone who’s knowledgeable create a scientific program based on scientific principles.  Many students have a background lifting weights, but never received education on proper lifting biomechanics,” said Dr. Martino.
The student training program is mutually beneficial for the trainer and their clients.  In addition to helping their peers live healthier lives, exercise science majors who offer their services are gaining valuable experience in their area of study.  
“The goal of the program is to prepare outstanding future personal trainers. After completing the program, (Exercise Science majors) are prepared to sit at the gold standard of getting personal training certificates through the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association,” said Dr. Martino.
 There are always those individuals who believe they have nothing to gain from asking for some advice from a trainer. A person who enjoys lifting weights, running, or doing some other physical activity regularly does not necessarily have any expertise in personal health.  Nonetheless, there always seems to be a few who pretend  otherwise.  To these individuals, please don’t be “that guy” in the gym.
 Ashley Whiteside, a junior biology major at GCSU, worked out with one of the exercise science majors during her freshman year.
“She had me doing cardio and taught me how to use the machines.  She taught me to keep track of all of it in a journal.  It was helpful because I know what muscles I was using and how I could improve,” said Whiteside.
Classes are not the only challenge facing students during their years in college; the opportunity to achieve a healthy level of fitness and take care of the body is a unique challenge of its own.  That said, here’s to training right this semester. Your body will appreciate it.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Sep 1 2006. Filed under Features. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry