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Fitness Center to hold classes, swim lessons in summer

With summer near, whether you are staying at Tech or going home, staying fit is possible. “Everyone thinks that the Fitness Center shuts down because school is out, but we have a lot of things going on during the summer, ” said Ramona Mahood-Pennington, health promotions director.

For those who are staying at Tech, the Fitness Center is open during the summer. The hours of operations are Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

These hours are in effect from May 10 until the fall semester starts.

There will also be fitness classes offered. The classes will not be as frequent, but there will be at least one class offered everyday.

The pool will remain open, and private swim lessons are available along with group swim lessons for children from ages 3 to 8.

It is $36 for the summer for those not in summer school or who are taking less than six hours.

For those who are headed home for the summer, staying fit is still achievable, even if there is not a gym around. Fitness DVDs, FitTV and local PBS stations are available and can keep you in shape while following an instructor in you own home.

Being outside is a great way to keep in shape. Walking, riding a bike, running, swimming, and interval training are just a few ways. Challenging your body while exercising outside is key.

“I’m saying to run for two mail boxes then walk for one, that’s interval training, “Mahood-Pennington said.

But how long should you exercise if they are not use to it? At the beginners level, doing cardio for a minimum of 20 minutes a day, three to five times a week is best. A least two of those days should involve weight training. In weight training, the time is based on the routine itself.

For those who are advanced in working out, they should increase their time based on how comfortable and challenging they want to make a workout.

“Keep your eyes on you own paper in fitness. Everyone’s level is different. You want to physically challenge yourself, Mahood-Pennington said.

Students and members who work out at Tech get to use the machines, but when you go home for the summer and get involved in another gym, it may not always have the same machines. In that case, always talk to a trainer at the gym and ask what machines compare to the machine you use at Tech. They can help you meet fitness goals and get the same kind of workout.

“Do not just jump on a machine you don’t know about. Ask, “Mahood-Pennington said.

If the gym does not offer fitness classes, then look into fitness DVDs and get involved in FitTV’s workouts. There are DVDs out there that compare to the classes at Tech.

For instance, if you like Turbo Kick, try Turbo Jam by BeachBody. If you enjoy pilates, try Winsor’s pilates.

And for great looking abs, 10 Minute Solutions Blast Off Belly Fat will help melt the fat.

If boot camp or kickboxing sounds exciting, check into Billy Blanks TaeBo or TaeBo Boot camp. Barry’s Boot camp is a great interval training DVD that blasts away fat.

When trying to decide which DVD is best, there are websites that can help you find the right one. One website is http://www.collagevideo.com. They have fitness DVD reviews and suggestions.

The hardest part about getting in shape is a lack of motivation.

At Tech, students get together and go work out, but when summer comes around, they may not have that other person to motivate them to go work out. What do you do then? How do you continue to motivate yourself?

“It has to come from inside of you, “Mahood-Pennington said. ” There are always ways to get fit and stay fit. No more excuses.”

For any information about summer hours and activities including swim lessons or classes at the Fitness Center call 931-372-6511 or go to http://www.tntech.edu/recreation/home/.