2008 Woodie Awards
Free health seminars offered by Campus Recreation
Ana Genkova
Issue date: 2/4/08 Section: Pulse
Media Credit: Jon ThomasAmy Jandek teaches how to calculate ones maximum heart rate using a simple formula: 220 - Age = Maximum Heart Rate.
The first of four free health and wellness seminars focused on cardio training. Presenter Amy Jandek, human performance lab coordinator, explained the importance of properly performing aerobic exercises. It was held on Tuesday in the UIC Student Recreation Facility.
"Building Blocks to a Healthier You" is a series of talks designed to give the necessary initial information on starting a healthier lifestyle.
Although the benefits of exercise are constantly discussed in the mass media, many people continue to excuse their sedentary way of life.
"No time is the number one excuse," said Jandek. Nevertheless, merely 10 minutes of continues aerobic activity twice a day is what the body needs to stay in shape.
To experience the most from exercise, the type, frequency and intensity of activity should be adjusted to each person.
"You want an individualized program that suits your needs, your goals, and your medical condition," advised Jandek. She also recommended attainable and realistic goals, especially for beginners. Too much exercise is unhealthy and will offset the positive results of cardio fitness.
"Overtraining can cause sleep problems and increased resting heart rate," Jandek said. By contrast, properly performed exercise improves sleep patterns and makes the heart stronger and more efficient.
The positive effects of training are dependent on continuity. The goal should be to maintain an elevated heart rate instead of increasing and decreasing it rapidly, so that the body can convert carbohydrates to energy.
"The first thing you are going to burn is your carbs," reminded Jandek, "the next thing is your body fat."
Generally, exercise should be enjoyable. Jandek recommended varying the types of activities from day to day to avoid boredom. Additionally, she suggested that the warm-up and cool-down, both essential parts of each work-out, should vary from the main activity for the day.
"Some people would claim they don't enjoy exercise," Jandek said, "and that's because they are not doing the right exercise." Each person should find a pleasant activity that does not feel like work, Jandek advised.
The Human Performance Lab encourages anyone interested to attend the free health seminars. According to attendees, the first of four talks was valuable and practical.
"[The seminar] was good for me, because it repeated some things I had already learned, but it cleared up some questions I had," said Sumeet Dhillon, a a senior Biology student. A goal of the seminar was to encourage listeners to stay active.
"I am going to work-out right now," Dhillon said, but she was not sure if she would incorporate exercise into her future lifestyle.
The topics of the next seminars will be Strength and Conditioning, Flexibility, and Stress Management. Students attending all four session will be eligible to receive a prize. The next talk will be held on Feb. 26 from 12:10-12:50 p.m. The organizers invite listeners to bring lunch for the seminars.
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"Building Blocks to a Healthier You" is a series of talks designed to give the necessary initial information on starting a healthier lifestyle.
Although the benefits of exercise are constantly discussed in the mass media, many people continue to excuse their sedentary way of life.
"No time is the number one excuse," said Jandek. Nevertheless, merely 10 minutes of continues aerobic activity twice a day is what the body needs to stay in shape.
To experience the most from exercise, the type, frequency and intensity of activity should be adjusted to each person.
"You want an individualized program that suits your needs, your goals, and your medical condition," advised Jandek. She also recommended attainable and realistic goals, especially for beginners. Too much exercise is unhealthy and will offset the positive results of cardio fitness.
"Overtraining can cause sleep problems and increased resting heart rate," Jandek said. By contrast, properly performed exercise improves sleep patterns and makes the heart stronger and more efficient.
The positive effects of training are dependent on continuity. The goal should be to maintain an elevated heart rate instead of increasing and decreasing it rapidly, so that the body can convert carbohydrates to energy.
"The first thing you are going to burn is your carbs," reminded Jandek, "the next thing is your body fat."
Generally, exercise should be enjoyable. Jandek recommended varying the types of activities from day to day to avoid boredom. Additionally, she suggested that the warm-up and cool-down, both essential parts of each work-out, should vary from the main activity for the day.
"Some people would claim they don't enjoy exercise," Jandek said, "and that's because they are not doing the right exercise." Each person should find a pleasant activity that does not feel like work, Jandek advised.
The Human Performance Lab encourages anyone interested to attend the free health seminars. According to attendees, the first of four talks was valuable and practical.
"[The seminar] was good for me, because it repeated some things I had already learned, but it cleared up some questions I had," said Sumeet Dhillon, a a senior Biology student. A goal of the seminar was to encourage listeners to stay active.
"I am going to work-out right now," Dhillon said, but she was not sure if she would incorporate exercise into her future lifestyle.
The topics of the next seminars will be Strength and Conditioning, Flexibility, and Stress Management. Students attending all four session will be eligible to receive a prize. The next talk will be held on Feb. 26 from 12:10-12:50 p.m. The organizers invite listeners to bring lunch for the seminars.
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