A proposal to create a federal department of exercise has evoked mixed reactions from members of the Penn State community.

Lynn Jamieson, an associate professor of recreation at Indiana University, recently suggested the implementation of a government agency to oversee fitness activities.

Jamieson said the United States needs this department because the Department of Health and Human Services is not currently performing such a function.

Assistant professor of kinesiology, Sandra Bargainnier, does not support Jamieson's idea.

"I don't think I'd support another federal department," she said. "Departments that exist already should collaborate and improve communication in order to encourage people to exercise more."

Bargainnier said Americans should take a step back and look at how urban planning is organized.

"We should create environments that help people move more throughout their lives, from birth to grave," she said.

"New developments can help encourage a more pedestrian lifestyle. See, advances in technology help us, but in a way they also kill us."

Students at the White Building offered their own views on the proposed department.

"I think it's an awesome idea," said Laura Merrick (sophomore-hotel, restaurant and institutional management), a fitness instructor-in-training at the White Building. "Exercising is a major stress relief. When I exercise, I see it as being helpful in all aspects of my life."

Merrick suggests staying motivated by finding a friend to exercise with.

"When you exercise with someone else, you keep each other motivated," she said. "Set long-term goals and once you've achieved them, you can reward yourself with a nice, healthy dinner."

Evan Matthysse (sophomore-finance) also likes the idea of a department of exercise.

"I think it's a great idea," Matthysse said. "More people in this country need to exercise."

Matthysse, who goes to the gym between four and five days a week, said he exercises for various reasons.

"I exercise for my general health, to live longer, because I like sports, and for my social life," he said.

He suggested that people find a program and stick with it.

"Everyone comes in right after New Year's Eve and after a month, they all filter out," he said.

Evan Yudell (senior-marketing and international business) thinks a department of exercise would be a waste of funds.

"It's what people who major in kinesiology and sports medicine do already," he said.

Yudell, who spends between four and five days a week at the gym, said money used to fund such a department would be better appropriated toward helping trainers improve their skills.

"I've been lifting for two and a half years," he said. "I don't need anyone to teach me how to exercise. The staff here [at the White Building] is really great. They've been trained and they know what they're doing. The money needed for this program could be better used for something else."

Yudell said people should motivate themselves to improve their body image.

"You have to really want it," he said. "Picture the image you're looking for and go after it. If you picture it enough and keep your goal in mind, you can help make it a reality."

Bargainnier said a healthy, active lifestyle needs to begin at a young age.

"Kids spend a lot more time in front of the TV," she said. "The federal government should put more money into schools to improve the quality of physical education. Schools are where it all begins."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.