The Lifetime Activity Center Helps You Lose Weight Without Shrinking Your Wallet

In a world of Slim Fast, Atkins, and Ephedra we are constantly looking for the latest quick fix for weight loss, yet despite the fad dieting the Center for Disease Control (CDC) claims that obesity is the top health threat in the United States. In fact American obesity is reaching epidemic proportions as an estimated 64% of all adults are overweight. This is a stark contrast to the approximately 50-Billion-dollars that Americans spend each year on fitness memberships and weight loss supplements.

Well if you are one of the many people that find fitness to be a financial burden the Lifetime Activities Center (or LAC) has your answer to a healthier lifestyle. Both Redwood and South City Campus offer state of the art recreation facilities with everything that you need to stay fit and it is free for current students.

According to Marla Lewellyn the LAC supervisor, "we offer all kinds of sports here, from racquetball, to volleyball, baseball, tennis, soccer; and of course we have the fitness room, a strength room with lots of heavy weight, and we have showers and towels."

The larger Redwood Campus facility is located directly west of the Markosian Library and features two separate areas offering weight machines, free weights and cardiovascular equipment, they also offer six full-size racquetball courts, a full-size basketball court, and an indoor running track.

In the weight training room you will find a variety of free weight equipment for heavy lifting along with a select assortment of cardiovascular equipment. The weight room is also used for weight training classes and is unfortunately not available while class is in session. The Fitness room offers an assortment of treadmills, elliptical trainers, stair-climbers and a Nordic Track as well as some free weights and Cybex Strength Training equipment. The fitness room is also used for a variety of classes and is off limits during those time blocks. With six full-size racquetball courts, two basketball courts, and an indoor track students are guaranteed to enjoy a pick-up game or just break away from their ordinary fitness routine.

The smaller South City Campus fitness center is located in the south-west corner of the first floor in room E155. It offers a gymnasium and weight equipment as well. One distinguishing feature of SouthCity is an indoor swimming pool which features lap swimming.

The fitness centers are hardly ever crowded. On average there are about 15 students using the facilities at one time. Students should not have to wait to use most machines. Student access is easy with your OneCard all you do is slide the card in a magnetic reader right by the door. Guests are also welcome for a $1.00 fee.

The facilities are here for the students' advantage and with all the necessary equipment available at their fingertips, students can lose weight and stay fit for free. Not only will you benefit from physical health, but exercise also helps relieve the stresses associated with being a student.

Marla Lewellyn says "it helps in your daily life, if you have stress, it's a break. It gives you a chance to get out of the office or the classroom and work out and relax your mind."

For more information about hours of operation please visit the website at www.slcc.edu/athletics/recreation or call 957-4398.