Exercise science the professional way
Complimentary access to the gym and other fitness resources at the Residence Hall/Recreation Center is available any time to students, faculty and staff. Cardinal Fit coaches motivate clients to use those resources by providing personalized attention for those who don’t have a workout routine figured out just yet.
The program allows people to try it out and get recommendations before deciding on something long-term. Opportunities range from one-hour sessions to eight-week regimens.
“Cardinal Fit offers exercise orientations, fitness evaluations and individualized programs,” said Skarbek. “There are also various events such as cardiodance and the Fitness Playground, and in the future we hope to include small group training sessions.”
The Fitness Playground event featured activities focused on fun and nostalgia as an excuse to exercise. They included a nine-square game, Spikeball game, hula hooping, life-sized games of Hungry Hungry Hippos, water balloon tossing on balance balls, and a bungee-cord shuttle run on a bouncy castle.
“The idea for the fitness playground came from the thought that we, in general, need to be more creative about helping individuals engage in physical activity,” said Skarbek. “Individuals benefit from physical activity in all forms so we make it fun and easy!”