The numbers are staggering. Did you know that 90 percent of the people who own home cardio machines never use them?

How about this, only 12 percent of the U.S. population works out "to a benefit." Most shocking is that fewer than 88 percent of the individuals who pay for a gym membership actually use it.

What is wrong with us? Not only is the U.S. population getting heavier every day, but statistics show us that treatable conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure are increasing at an alarming rate. People as young as 16 years old are routinely diagnosed with high blood pressure. Aside from the stress of passing your driver's test, what contributes to high blood pressure in a teenager?

The answer is in what we choose to do and not to do everyday. Lifestyle can contribute significantly to the degradation of health and wellness in today's youth. And there truly is no excuse for not doing something about it.

Now, more than ever before, the fitness opportunities are vast. There is no limit to the kind of exercise you can choose. Within the boundaries of the Penn State campus there are 52 club sports, four fitness centers, continuous daily aerobics classes, numerous intramural activities, exercise classes with instruction and even tons of free-play space. If you get off of the couch and look around, you will find more options than there are days of school.

Did you know that during the month of January male participation in weight-lifting activities actually declines? It picks up again in February. You guessed it, after the Super Bowl. Apparently all the guys who lifted in the evenings back in December are at home on the couch watching football in January. Hey guys, did you know that Vince Young didn't get to be a star by sitting in the La-Z-Boy eating Tostitos and watching Sports Center? Why not put your butt on a stationary bike and watch it? At least you can count that as activity. Just so the ladies don't feel left out, keep in mind; "Nicole" would still be living the simple life without her daily exercise. She, too, chooses to workout daily in order to keep her slim figure.

Vanity aside, looking good in your new jeans is really just an auxiliary benefit of working out. As a rule, health, fitness and wellness should be the primary reason you choose to work out. But six pack abs or a nice booty is always a good selling point. For those of you just starting out on an exercise program, you should visit your primary care physician, or at least make a phone call to his or her office explaining your intentions.

They may be able to pull out old records and caution you of any minor health concern. After the go-ahead from the doctor, remember that moderation is the key. Start slow and build daily. Within the first six weeks, you should see huge increases in fitness, strength and energy. If you need a little nudge, try working out with a friend. Students can buy a fitness center membership for themselves and a friend for less than $100.

Another great place to begin is Indoor Cycling class. This class is designed to accommodate all fitness levels from beginner to serious athlete. You set the intensity by setting the bicycle resistance.

The combination of group energy and cool music can make 50 minutes of exercise fly right by. If you are shy, plan to come to the fitness center when there are no crowds before 11 a.m. You can pretty much choose your machine during the morning hours. Grab your Stairmaster, tune in to your favorite TV station and at the end of your show you will be worked-out. For those of you who need to workout during rush hour, between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., the addition of two new classes will help ease the crowds. Washboard Abs class at 4 p.m. is now offered in room 126 White Building. This super-sized gym can accommodate large crowds so that no one is left out. The Body Blast class packs maximum calorie burning into a 45-minute session by using combinations of squats, jacks and other high intensity movements. Whether you are motivated by the quest for long term health and wellness, or you just want some really fabulous looking abs, don't miss out on the innumerable opportunities to work out on campus.