Escape the Rec: Get Some Fresh Air
Elizabeth Claydon
Issue date: 1/31/06 Section: features
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Versus Magazine Online [Image Edition]
Most of us are guilty of it. Don't deny it. I know you've done it at least once in your Vanderbilt career. If you hadn't, how come the Rec Center is always packed when I go? Usually the same mob comes every day, but there are definite new arrivals.
Yes, I admit it; I'm guilty too! I suffer from Rec Center addiction, but I confess that I suffer to a much lesser extent. So far, I have not bought an iPod so I can strap it to my bicep as I run myself crazy on a looming metal device. I also do not own my personal towel or antiseptic spray so I can mop up my own sweat (or more importantly someone else's) off the machines!
I agree that it's wonderful to have this facility here, so we can go in and count just the number of carbs and calories we are burning per minute and rotate from machine to machine while we affix a zombie stare on everyone we pass. But, honestly, isn't it a little stupid that we walk all the way across campus (especially those in Peabody) just to get on a machine so we can walk or run? Seems a little pointless doesn't it, especially since our campus has the distinction of being a gorgeous national arboretum. There is definitely more justification now that winter weather has set in, but I can honestly say that during the autumn months there were significantly more people cooped up in the Rec than there were enjoying the outside.
What I'm asking for is a New Year's resolution. Yes, I know this includes me, too. This year, when spring comes, go outside once or twice a week to work out. Go walk by the Parthenon, jog under Peabody's Magnolia trees, or just go for a stroll downtown. You might find it relaxes you, and the added benefit is that it might just save you some money on tanning beds! Just a suggestion.
Most of us are guilty of it. Don't deny it. I know you've done it at least once in your Vanderbilt career. If you hadn't, how come the Rec Center is always packed when I go? Usually the same mob comes every day, but there are definite new arrivals.
Yes, I admit it; I'm guilty too! I suffer from Rec Center addiction, but I confess that I suffer to a much lesser extent. So far, I have not bought an iPod so I can strap it to my bicep as I run myself crazy on a looming metal device. I also do not own my personal towel or antiseptic spray so I can mop up my own sweat (or more importantly someone else's) off the machines!
I agree that it's wonderful to have this facility here, so we can go in and count just the number of carbs and calories we are burning per minute and rotate from machine to machine while we affix a zombie stare on everyone we pass. But, honestly, isn't it a little stupid that we walk all the way across campus (especially those in Peabody) just to get on a machine so we can walk or run? Seems a little pointless doesn't it, especially since our campus has the distinction of being a gorgeous national arboretum. There is definitely more justification now that winter weather has set in, but I can honestly say that during the autumn months there were significantly more people cooped up in the Rec than there were enjoying the outside.
What I'm asking for is a New Year's resolution. Yes, I know this includes me, too. This year, when spring comes, go outside once or twice a week to work out. Go walk by the Parthenon, jog under Peabody's Magnolia trees, or just go for a stroll downtown. You might find it relaxes you, and the added benefit is that it might just save you some money on tanning beds! Just a suggestion.