-= NMSU PANORAMA - Summer 2005 =- Helping Students Make Smart Choices: New Wellness Center a Hit

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New Wellness Center a Hit

By Rachel Gallagher

Graduate student Rachel Endecott works out at the newly opened Student Wellness Center.

Graduate student Rachel Endecott '03 enjoyed playing several sports in high school and fed her athletic drive as an undergraduate through intramural sports. But when she began working toward her master's degree and doctorate, she admits her health took a back seat until she discovered the newly opened Student Wellness Center.

Endecott, a Ph. D. candidate in animal science, is one of several students taking advantage of the center's services. Located on the second floor of the Activity Center, the Student Wellness Center officially opened in January to help educate and support students in developing healthy lifestyles through exercise and nutrition.

Lynne Roberts '05, a certified fitness trainer with more than 15 years experience, runs the center. When students first come in, she assesses their overall fitness through a variety of tests. After the initial testing, qualifying students can participate in an eight-week circuit program, in which they exercise at the center for about one hour three times a week, under Roberts' supervision. There is a $30 fee, but half of that is refunded to students who complete the program. Students also receive a free t-shirt, water bottle and pedometer.

"What appeals to me is that the center is so accessible right here on campus and the cost is minimal," Endecott says. "I feel like I am getting a lot for my money and having Lynne there as a trainer is fantastic. She understands the science of exercise physiology and I, as a scientist myself, really appreciate that angle."

Roberts says the center particularly helps students with no or little background in fitness programs or those intimidated by working out on their own. However, she does help more experienced students who just need some direction, as in Endecott's case.

"My life was and very much still is chaotic, busy and stressful," Endecott says. "I decided I needed to take a little time for myself. My health and fitness are very important to the longevity of my career. After I finish my degree and get a job, my life is not going to become less busy or less stressful so I decided I needed to form a habit while I was in grad school that can last the rest of my life."

Paul Laporte, director for intramurals, agrees the center will have a lasting effect on its participants.

"It improves the quality of life of our students," he says. "Habits and lifestyles formed now carry over to the rest of their lives."

Roberts says she sees a gamut of health conditions in the student participants, with obesity being the most common, followed closely by diabetes.

"Some students are very healthy," she says. "Others have to be referred to the student health center for health risks."

Since the center opened, Roberts has been overwhelmed with student interest.

"Students are now getting on a waiting list," Roberts says. "So there's been a big need for this."

Although Roberts admits the program hasn't functioned long enough to see long-term results, she says what she has seen has been positive, especially in student attitudes.

"I think (the students) seem pretty pleased," she says. "Even those getting just the assessments seem to be grateful for the information."

Peter Maud, head of the Department of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, says he hopes to expand the center's hours and offer services to the entire university community.

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