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[ Friday, Jan. 29, 1999 ]
Fewer fitness classes being offered
By DANA IRWIN
Collegian Staff Writer
Students itching to lose a few extra pounds or finally stick to their New Year's resolutions may find it even harder this semester because of a decreased fitness schedule. The fitness program at Penn State allows students access to various weight rooms, cardiovascular equipment and aerobics classes around campus by purchasing a fitness pass for $10 per semester. But with the addition of more Exercise and Sport Activity (ESACT) sections this semester, the schedules for aerobics, cycling and abdominal classes have been cut in half from last semester, said Wendy Williams, assistant fitness coordinator. "We have as many classes as we possibly can right now," she said. "Space is so limited." Limited space means limited availability, and many students are unable to get into their desired fitness classes. "There are always people who don't get into a class. It's happened to me once," Andrea Lehberger (freshman-science) said. The only recourse for many students is to arrive early. "People have to line up at 5 p.m. for a 5:35 p.m. class," Debra Love (senior-advertising) said. "It's ridiculous."
PHOTO: Wendy L. Zeller
A stationary cycling class works out on Wednesday night at the White Building.
The number of ESACT classes added this semester affected the fitness program's limited space.
The strain on the fitness program was taken into account when making the decision to add the new ESACT sections, said John Pfau, program director of the ESACT department.
"But the demand for the ESACT classes was there and educational endeavors have first priority," Pfau said.
The ESACT department worked closely with the directors of the fitness program so the schedule would be disrupted as little as possible, Pfau added.
With an unlimited amount of fitness passes available and a limited amount of space, the problem seems to be here to stay.
Because the fitness program is partly funded by the student activity fee, there is no limit on the number of passes the program gives out, Williams said.
While many students who don't get into a class try the Natatorium or the Fit Stop in White Building, others exercise different options.
"I get shut out every day," said Lindsay Elliott (freshman-engineering).
"I just go home."
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