For many students, staying active is an important part of college life. Fitness activities provide exhilarating, healthy alternatives to sitting around all day. Exercise–in a gym, on the court, in the pool, or elsewhere–is ideal to men and women with enough energy to get away from their desks and get moving.

Sacramento State has a variety of classes for students interested in physical activity. The Kinesiology department’s course offerings include martial arts, soccer, dance, basketball, tennis, volleyball, bicycling, skiing, snowboarding, aerobics, gymnastics, softball, weight lifting and rowing.

There are also campus athletic clubs for recreational and physical activity. The CSUS Recreational Sports program hosts clubs aplenty that emphasize fitness as well as team competition, so students can have fun while they exercise. Recreational Sports is designed to create a healthy environment to enhance social and leadership skills.

“It’s good to meet people,” says graduate assistant Corinne Paul of the program. “[You can] make friends and have fun.”

The sports clubs are only open to Sac State students, but non-students can join the recreational clubs. Sometimes tryouts are held.

“We have competitive sports clubs, but technically, they’re not open to everyone,” Paul said. “Depending on how many people try out for them, and what kind of competition there is, some students might not get in.”

A little healthy competition is just what’s necessary to spur some people into whipping themselves into shape.

“I’ve played sports all my life,” says freshman Mandi Siller, a Hornet Women’s Soccer player. “[I do] a lot of running, because running’s the best thing for you. [It] keeps your abs tight. Keeps your metabolism going.”

Siller regularly undergoes a rigorous workout routine with four days of practice and four days of weights, but she doesn’t recommend that program for beginners.

“Start off slow and build up, so you have more endurance over time,” she recommended.

In spite of her intense physical dedication, Siller falls victim to unhealthy eating habits. Working out just makes her feel better about them.

“When you work out,” she says, “you don’t feel as guilty about eating junk food.”

Nutrition plays a large part in keeping fit, but the allure of fast food is powerful, especially with so many eating spots around campus that cater more to the taste buds than a healthy diet. Still, there are those with enough willpower to resist.

“I try not to eat too much junk food,” said junior Jovan Agee, who likes to play basketball. “I try not to eat sweets and fast food. That’s the main thing.”

Cedric Thompkins, a junior who plays for the Hornet Men’s Basketball Team, lifts weights and runs to hone his physique, but he doesn’t forget the importance of sleep.

“I just make sure I get seven, eight hours,” he says.

Off-campus, gyms and health clubs abound in the city. Places like 24 Hour Fitness and California Family and Fitness fulfill the recreational needs for many students.

“I pretty much go to the gym three times a week–California Fitness,” claims sophomore Ben Jones. “I do different exercises each time [and] I’m in an indoor soccer league.”

During open hours, Sac State offers free facilities to students with valid One Cards.

The swimming pool, racquetball courts and weight rooms are available to those who gain admittance.

The basketball gym is open as well, when sporting events aren’t held inside.

These are all easy ways to keep into shape, so you should have no excuse.

For more information, contact the Recreational Sports Club, located in the University Union, at (916) 278-4111 or www.csus.edu/rec.

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