Category Archives: RecWell

Group X Classes Keep BG Fit

Fitness

The Fitness Program provides students and community members with the opportunity to improve and maintain good health. BGSU’s Fitness Program offers Group X classes at the Student Recreation Center (SRC) in flexibility, cardiovascular, and strength.

“There are 30 total classes offered for participants,” said Fitness Program Graduate Assistant Layne Davis. “Within these 30, there are there are 12 different types of classes offered this Fall Semester.”

The classes offered range from kickboxing to yoga, and are lead by certified, professional instructors.

“We have a little bit of everything,” stated Davis. “You are bound to find some type of exercise you enjoy, and if you enjoy it, you are more likely to do it!”

Among the more popular classes are AeroSpin, and Ab-Solute. AeroSpin is a spinning class with a format including climbs, jumps and sprints, and Ab-Solute strengthens the midsection.

Previous experience should not deter anyone thinking of attending a Group X class.

“All fitness levels are welcome to our Group Exercise classes,” Davis encouraged. “The instructors are trained to show modifications and help those who are beginners. However, if someone has an underlining health issue or an injury, it is always important for them to consult a doctor before beginning any exercise program.”

Reaction and feedback from participants in Group X classes has been positive.

“They love the instruction and motivation provided by the group exercise instructors,” noted Davis. “They also enjoy working out with friends and having fun while they do it.”

Group X passes cost $35 for students and SRC members and $45 for non-members. The pass gives the individual unlimited access to all Group X classes and can be purchased at the front desk of the SRC. For more information, please visit the Fitness Program’s Web site.

Intramural Sports Enrich University Experience

Flag Football, Intramural Sports

Intramural Sports provide an important service to BGSU students. BGSU’s Intramural Sports Program offers a variety of sports in which students can compete, from badminton to flag football to inner-tube water polo.

“Students will remember the friendships and bonds they created while playing,” said Grant Wallace, a Graduate Assistant for the Intramural Sports Program. “It enhances the college experience.”

Some of the more popular sports include flag football, basketball, soccer, and six-on-six volleyball. There are multiple divisions in which student teams can participate; men’s competitive and recreational, women’s competitive and recreation, co-recreation competitive and recreational, fraternity A and B, and sorority.

“We’re one of the largest organizations on campus,” added Wallace.

“There are around 130 to 150 flag football teams,” said Intramural Sports Program Graduate Assistant Rob Latva.

Flag football games are played Monday through Thursday evening. On Wednesday, October 7, BGSU students Craig Tusing, Pat Dougherty, and Austin Arnold, and Zach Gueth, members of the men’s recreational team Oakville enjoyed their first win of the season. All four agreed the win was their favorite part of the flag football intramurals.

While Dougherty and Arnold are seniors, Tusing and Gueth both have plans to play again in the future.

“It gives me a break,” stated Gueth. “I have such a busy schedule.”

Feelings, such as those expressed by Gueth, are common amongst students competing in Intramural Sports.

“It’s a stress reliever,” said Wallace. “The best part is you get a free t-shirt.”

Every team that wins an Intramural Sports Championship receives a free, Intramural Sports Championship t-shirt. The free t-shirt is not the only benefit of competing for an Intramural Sports Title.

“We offer some opportunities to those playing in championships,” stated Latva, “some will be playing in the Doyt.”

While the flag football season is winding down, there are still many other sports offered by the Intramural Sports Program for which students can still register. Badminton, team handball, and whiffleball are just a few of the sports still available for the Fall 2009 semester.

“We have a new sport that’s never been tried before, long drive golf,” said Latva. “We’re taking registration until next Wednesday (October 14.) Inner-tube water polo is a lot of fun. We also have tennis ball, which is an indoor version of softball.”

In addition to providing the opportunity to compete with fellow BGSU students, the Intramural Sports Program also offers students the chance to compete with students from rival UT.

“We do a BG vs. UT Battle of Champions,” stated Latva. “This year flag football will be in the Doyt and basketball will be played at UT.”

Champions from the fraternity A, men’s, women’s, and co-recreation competitive divisions will have the chance to compete in the BG vs. UT Battle of Champions.

The BG vs. UT Battle of Champions is not the only opportunity to compete against students from other schools offered by the Intramural Sports Program.

“We offer regional tournaments with schools from surrounding states,” said Latva. “Students can compete against other universities and move on to nationals. This year they’re in Tampa in January.”

Students interested in regional tournaments can inquire at the Intramural Sports Program office at Perry Field House, Room 130. Additional information about Intramural Sports can be found at http://www.bgsu.edu/offices/sa/recwell/intramurals/index.html.

Social Networking at Recreation & Wellness

Outdoor Program, Wellness Connection

Social networking is a phenomenon with which many people are familiar. Facebook and Twitter accounts are not only for college and high school students anymore. Many businesses and organizations employ social networking as a promotional tool. BGSU’s Recreation and Wellness is no exception.

While social networking’s promotional abilities make it useful to an organization, it can be used ineffectively.

“People are not going on social networking sites to be bombarded with advertisements,” said Melissa Rausch, Web and Technology Manager for BGSU Recreation and Wellness. “Promotion techniques need to be creative and unique.”

While overuse of social networking can turn audiences away, neglect is also harmful.

“A common mistake is creating an account, adding a couple photos, and then only updating every month or so,” stated Rausch. “Inactivity never looks good.”

BGSU’s Outdoor Program uses social networking frequently to inform students about upcoming trips.

“Facebook is updated daily,” said Jerome Gabriel, Director of the Outdoor Program. “When a trip comes around it could be multiple times daily. Twitter normally gets one tweet a day.”

When it comes to social networking, Facebook is clearly preferred.

“I use Facebook more,” added Gabriel. “We get at least 25 percent of trip sign-ups through Facebook.”

“Facebook is more effective (than Twitter) because it offers features like photos and video,” stated Rausch when offering her social networking preference. “I think the visual aspects really help.”

Interim Health Educator Caitlin Spontelli of the Wellness Connection does not have a preference for either Facebook or Twitter. The Wellness Connection has a Twitter account, and the Student Wellness Network maintains a Facebook group page.

“Our office uses both networking sites for different purposes,” said Spontelli.

“On Twitter we post health and wellness facts and links to information such as healthy recipes, online workout videos, health and wellness articles, upcoming campus events, and quick tips to stay healthy on campus,” explained Spontelli. “On Facebook the Student Wellness Network has a description of the organization, upcoming events, a peer education presentation list, how to become a peer educator, contact information, photos from recent events, and wall postings from current members.”

Recreation and Wellness can be found on Facebook and Twitter, as can the Outdoor Program (Facebook and Twitter) and the Wellness Connection (Facebook and Twitter.)

4th Annual Recreation & Wellness Golf Outing Results

Golf

Friday, September 25, BGSU students, faculty, staff, and members of the Bowling Green community gathered at Forest Creason Golf Course for the 4th Annual Recreation and Wellness Golf Outing. The annual scramble supports the Recreation and Wellness Foundation.

Jim Hanson and his daughter, Deb Hanson, made their fourth appearance in the Recreation and Wellness Golf Outing.

“It’s a great event, and it’s getting bigger every year,” said Jim Hanson. “Each year interest has built, and there are a lot of young people.”

Scott Sehmann has also played in all four outings.

“It’s a fun afternoon with good food,” noted Sehmann. “I’m looking forward to hopefully winning the putting contest.”

Prior to the outing’s 12:30 p.m. shotgun start, participants gathered for lunch and the opportunity to compete in a putting contest. The putting contest entry fee was $5 with half the purse going to the winner and half going to the Recreation and Wellness Foundation.

“They get three putts from ten feet,” explained Nate Boneta, a Graduate Assistant to the Department of Recreation and Wellness in Marketing and Advertising. “Whoever makes all three, or whoever makes the most, goes on to the final round. The final round is one 30-foot putt. Whoever makes that, or is closest, wins.”

Unfortunately for Sehmann, he did not win the putting contest. Brandon Hutton won by sinking a 30-foot putt in the final round.

“I went off the first putt and watched the line,” said Hutton of following the same break the participant putting before him experienced.

The 18-hole, two-person scramble began following the putting contest at 12:30 p.m. The winners in the men’s division were Steve Kampf and Kevin Atwood. The women’s division winners were Linda Hammer and Cathy Swick, and the mixed division winners were Woody Woodhouse and Deanna Vatan Woodhouse.

Other contests during outing included: men’s longest drive, won by Atwood; women’s longest drive, won by Hammer; women’s longest putt, won by Hyun Sun Lee; and closest to the line, won by Joe Herringshaw.

More information on winners, sponsors, and prize donors can be found at http://www.bgsu.edu/recwell.

Third Annual Recreation and Wellness Golf Outing

Golf

In two weeks, students, faculty, staff, and community members have the opportunity to enjoy 18 holes of golf while giving back to BGSU. On Friday, September 25, the Department of Recreation and Wellness hosts the Third Annual Recreation and Wellness Golf Outing at Forrest Creason Golf Course.

Nate Boneta, Graduate Assistant for Recreation and Wellness in Marketing and Advertising, is working on preparations for the outing.

“The outing’s purpose is to raise money for the Recreation and Wellness Foundation,” Boneta said, “and to bring together students, faculty, and community members with Recreation and Wellness staff.”

The Recreation and Wellness Foundation assists the department in alleviating budgetary restraints.

“The foundation provides money outside of the budget for necessary equipment, student employee events, and professional development,” stated Boneta.

Helping Recreation and Wellness raise money for its Foundation is not the only motive for participating. There are also prizes awarded for first place in the men’s, women’s, and mixed categories.

“It‘s a fun way to get everyone involved,” added Boneta. “We’re going to have contests at different holes, like longest putt or longest drive.”

The golf outing also provides an environment conducive to socializing. Boneta sees the event as an opportunity to get face-time with people from the Bowling Green area.

“Students don’t get to see faculty outside of a classroom,” said Boneta. “It’s a good way for members of the Bowling Green community to get together.”

Boneta indicated he is expecting a large turnout of community members, students, and faculty.

“We want to make sure everyone gets involved,” added Boneta. “It’s not just for Recreation and Wellness employees. It’s for everyone in Bowling Green.”

Entry forms are due Monday, September 21 and can be found by following the “Annual Golf Outing” link at http://www.bgsu.edu/rewell. The event is a two person scramble. The price for students and Forrest Creason members is $30 and $40 for the general public, which includes 18 holes, a cart, and lunch. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., lunch is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and the shotgun start is at 12:30 p.m. For more information, please contact Kurt Thomas at (419) 372-2674.