Category Archives: Wellness Connection

Student Employment with RecWell Is More Than Just a Job

Golf, Ice Arena, Intramural Sports, Outdoor Program, Perry Field House, RecWell, Student Recreation Center, WellAware, Wellness Connection

Are you looking for a good resume builder but also could use some extra cash in your pocket? If so, working for the Department of Recreation and Wellness may be the right choice for you.

According to the BGSU Career Center, there are more than 4,300 students that work on-campus.  The Department of Recreation and Wellness offers opportunities to students that are looking for a job on campus. RecWell employs between 200 and 300 of these students to work at the Student Recreation Center (SRC), the Ice Arena (IA), Perry Field House (PFH), and Forrest Creason Golf Course.

Working for RecWell can be beneficial for students because there is a chance to grow and advance within the department. Employees are rewarded with Rec Bucks when they go above-and-beyond their call of duty and there is a Student of the Month award given out monthly to the department’s hardest workers.

Student employment jobs are put into a category that signifies their rank within the department. Jobs can range from Level 1 to Level 4. Level 1 positions are the entry level jobs, and the highest positions with the most responsibility are put into Level 4.

If you’re just starting a job with RecWell, Level 1 is where most employees will begin. Some of the jobs included are: PFH Attendant, SRC Floor Attendant, and IA Skate Shop Attendant, among others.

Andrew Clair, an employee at the SRC, has made the most of his time working with RecWell.

“It’s been a great place to work,” explained Clair. “I’ve met a lot of cool people and I really enjoy what I do. I started the job this summer and I’ve already learned so much in my short time here [with RecWell].”

Those who perform exceptionally well on the job can receive a promotion to Level 2, which includes managerial positions throughout all departments within RecWell. Level 3 positions include managers of the SRC and PFH among others. Supervisor positions, the highest position a student employee can hold, are categorized in Level 4.

Each level holds more responsibility than the next and at the same time offers more of a reward.  Not only will holding a higher position within the department teach you more about working in a fast-paced environment, you will also earn more money for your work.

“This [job] will look great on my resume,” said Clair. “It doesn’t hurt to add as much experience you can in any department on campus and I think working at the Recreation Center will only help me in the future when I start my career. For students who have no work experience, I recommend trying to find a job with RecWell.”

If a practicum, internship, or graduate assistantship is what you need, RecWell offers excellent opportunities as well.

For more information, check out the Employment Opportunities page on the RecWell website.

Healthy U Weight Loss Program

RecWell, WellAware, Wellness Connection

Gain the foundation for lifelong health.
Being healthy is more than a number on the scale; it is about eating well, being active and having the energy to enjoy the life you want and deserve! Ready to make a shift in your lifestyle, but don’t know where to start?

Gain support for change.
Join the new Healthy U program, a group program for healthy living and weight management.

Healthy U begins August 25 and includes:

  • Pre and post-testing: weight, body composition, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, triglycerides, dietary intake and occupational stress levels
  • 30-minute educational group sessions held once every two weeks. Variety of session times available: early morning, mid-day and evening!
  • Optional one-on-one dietary counseling and fitness coaching sessions
  • Guidance and support to make long-lasting lifestyle changes

Plus, receive the opportunity to participate in a weight loss research study.  The study is in conjunction with the program, but is optional and voluntary.

Available to BGSU faculty and staff, as well as spouse/same-sex domestic partner.

Cost: $50/semester (16-week program).

Gain accountability!
Attend 5 of the 7 programmed meetings, and receive a $20 refund. The other $30 pays for pre-and post-testing expenses.
Register online at www.bgsu.edu/wellaware (use rectrac.bgsu.edu) or at the Student Recreation Center Welcome Desk.  Registration deadline is August 19.

Is Healthy U right for you?
Find out by attending a free “Are you Ready?” informational session. View available dates and times at www.bgsu.edu/wellaware

For More Information:
Dr. Robin Tucker-Falconer
Asst. Professor
Public & Allied Health
419-372-4579
rtucker@bgsu.edu

Dr. Mary-Jon Ludy
Asst. Professor
Public & Allied Health
419-372-6461
mludy@bgsu.edu

Program is supported and administered by the Department of Public and Allied Health, Food and Nutrition Program, WellAware, and Department of Recreation and Wellness.

WellAware Event Updates

Events and Updates, RecWell, WellAware, Wellness Connection

May 13:  National Employee Health and Fitness Day

Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Time: Stop by anytime between 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: City Park

Represent BGSU in a walking competition between Wood County Hospital, BGSU, the City of Bowling Green and Wood County employees! The walk is being hosted by Bowling Green Parks and Recreation in celebration of National Employee Health and Fitness Day. The employer with the most employees (percentage based) wins bragging rights and a trophy. Let’s go Falcons! A special lunchtime walk in the park and free event to encourage health and fitness activities for Bowling Green community members and local businesses. Bring your own sack lunch, beverages are provided. Everyone who walks a mile around the park (2 laps), either before or after lunch, will be entered into a raffle for prizes. Event will be held rain or shine, in the case of inclement weather the event will be moved to the Community Center.

Summer Session 1: Free Fitness Classes

Summer group exercises classes at the Student Recreation Center begin May 18. For no charge, BGSU Faculty/Staff can participate in the following 2 classes:

  • Cardio Tone – Tuesdays, 5:30 – 6:15 PM, Student Recreation Center Studio B.
  • Zumba® – Thursdays, 5:30 – 6:15 PM, Student Recreation Center Studio B.
    A mixture of cardio, total body toning, and upbeat Latin dance music.

Pre-registration for the fitness classes is required. Click HERE to register! Family and friends (over the age of 16) can participate in the classes with you by purchasing a Group X pass at the SRC Welcome Desk.

NEW! Faculty/Staff Recess Breaks: Free classes in Eppler South Gym

Starting May 19, take a mid-day break and add “play” back into your day by participating in Recess Breaks in the Eppler South Gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:10 – 12:50 PM.

Recess Breaks are facilitated by certified trainers and include fun ways to be active while incorporating cardiovascular, strength training, and flexibility exercises. Register in advance HERE or just arrive to class a few minutes early and register onsite. For comfort and safety, it is recommended to change into tennis shoes and exercise clothes.

Women on Weights – New workshop begins May 18

Interested in receiving individualized attention from a personal trainer while having fun in a small-group setting?  Receive support and guidance to start or sustain an active lifestyle by registering for the Women on Weights workshop at the Student Recreation Center. This progressive 12-class workshop includes strength training circuits to increase strength and cardiovascular endurance. Enjoy using a variety of equipment such as free weights, BOSU, stability balls, TRX, and resistance bands. Exercise modifications are available making it appropriate for beginners and all fitness levels. Class is limited to 10 participants.

May 18 – June 29: Classes are available in the SRC Multipurpose Room on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 – 6:15 PM.  *No class on Memorial Day, May 25. Makeup class will be held on Monday, June 29.

Register this week at the SRC Welcome Desk. The 12-class workshop fee is only $35 for students/SRC members and $45 for faculty/staff/retirees.

Attend Group X classes with Friends and Family

Have fun and get fit with family and friends by attending unlimited fitness classes together at the Student Recreation Center. BGSU faculty/staff can purchase a Group X pass at a discounted rate and SRC membership is not required. Attached is the full summer schedule and additional class details are posted on the Falcon Fitness website.

Strive for FIVE is back!

Our popular nutrition and physical activity challenge is coming back this summer!  This 6-week program will run June 22 – August 2. Faculty and staff can register as an individual or as part of a team. Stay posted for more details!

Questions on WellAware programming? Contact Karyn Smith at karync@bgsu.edu

2011 Summer Kids Camp – Activities Galore!

Aquatics, Blogroll, Student Recreation Center, Wellness Connection, Youth and Family

Summer vacation is almost here, but kids don’t throw those backpacks in the closet that carried books back and forth to school just yet.  On June 6, Summer Kids Camp begins and the backpacks transform into camper backpacks carrying swimsuits, sunscreen, water bottles and lunchboxes.  The eight-week Summer Kids Camp ends July 29.

The 2011 Summer Kids Camp continues its outstanding programming established from years of leadership experience and success. Kids Camp for kids, ages 5-12, emphasizes physical development and education while promoting a healthy lifestyle. Some children return to camp every year and make new friends.  They have new learning experiences while having a lot of fun.  These campers can participate in activities that are not available at home or at other camps. “We do lots and lots of fun activities with the children that they cannot get at a daycare,” said Micha Alt, who has directed Kids Camp since 2006.  “We rock climb, ice skate, go swimming every day and include wellness and fitness components.”  Other physical activities in which the campers partake include golf, volleyball, basketball, badminton and track and field.  Kids Camp has great resources at Recreation and Wellness facilities including the Perry Field House, BGSU Ice Arena and Forrest Creason Golf Course to participate in their activities. The campers also go on walking field trips to the Sebo Center or other places of interest on campus.

Asked about her favorite part of Kids Camp, Alt said, “There are so many wonderful aspects of Kids Camp I really can’t pick one.” However, one particular activity Alt does enjoy is the scavenger hunts that are especially popular with the children. “The excitement of the children is enjoyable to watch,” Alt said.  Every week Kids Camp has a witty theme in place: Falcon Frenzy, Into the Wild, Wacky Wonderland, Underwater Adventures, Mad Science, The Places We will Go, Around the World and BG’s Got Talent.

Children who attend Kids Camp are in good hands.  The camp is administered by Recreation and Wellness professionals and BGSU graduate and undergraduate students with special training in safety, human relations and interpersonal skills with children. The dedicated camp staff is First Aid and CPR certified for the Professional Rescuer with AED and passed the mandatory background screenings.

Full-time camp costs $119/week and part-time camp is $79/week, with 10 percent discount applied to BGSU employees or families with more than one child’s registration. Register at www.bgsu.edu/recwell and click on Community, Youth & Family on the left menu, by E-mail at kidscamps@bgsu.edu or in person at the Student Recreation Center front desk. For more information, contact Camp Director Micha Alt at 419-372-7482 or 419-372-2000. Sign up the kids today for a fun summer camp at BGSU!

Meet the New Health Educator

Fitness, Student Recreation Center, Student Wellness Network, Wellness Connection

The Department of Recreation and Wellness has a new, yet familiar, face among the staff.  Karyn Smith started as the new Health Educator with the department this past October.

Though she started her new position at BGSU this fall, she is not completely new to the campus. Smith received her Master’s in Public Health through the Northwest Ohio Consortium for Public Health and was a Graduate Assistant at the Student Recreation Center.

Before coming to Bowling Green, Smith grew up in an Ohio small town called Hamler where she graduated from Patrick Henry High School. Upon graduation, Smith attended Northern Kentucky University where she majored in Exercise Science with a Health minor, played basketball all four years and was a personal trainer.

Once she graduated from NKU and received her MPH, she was hired at Owens Corning as the Program Manager, where she worked on employee fitness. She was in charge of personal training, group exercise and nutrition programming. After a year and a half, Smith came back to BGSU this fall as the Health Educator.

Smith is in charge of the WellAware Program, which promotes employee wellness. She also supervises the Group-X and personal trainers, while working with the Peer Educators at BGSU.

Karyn Smith has been a personal trainer for four years.

Smith said she enjoys her new job, the environment and the people she works with.

“The Wellness Connection is very upbeat,” Smith said. “All of us have the same passion.”

Besides her new job, Smith enjoys working out, being outside and running. Smith also enjoys flipping houses with her husband Ryan and friend.

While she flips houses with her husband, she also flips her fellow employee’s fitness.

Smith’s passion is fitness and she has embraced that passion by sharing her knowledge and creating a new program.

“It’s a fun holiday challenge for faculty and staff,” Smith said.

The program is called “Maintain don’t Gain,” which is available to all BGSU faculty and staff for free. Participants receive practical tips, recipes and other information to help them successfully navigate through the holiday season. Participants also receive activity logs and food diaries to track progress. All those who either maintain or lose weight during the season win a prize.

“Research has shown that the average person consumes an extra 600 calories per day between Thanksgiving and Christmas,” Smith said.

Smith said she wants to create an environment where healthy choices are easier choices.

As a certified personal trainer for the past four years, Smith also enjoys working with clients, preferably the ones that most personal trainers would not look forward to.

“My favorite clients are the ones that absolutely hate exercising,” Smith said. “

Smith likes being creative and finding fun ways to help these clients live active lifestyles and find a physical activity that they learn to love.

Smith has goals for her new position as Health Educator. She wants to revamp the personal training program, create new and exciting Group-X classes, provide employees with the tools and resources to help them and help the Student Wellness Network and Peer Educators continue to grow and increase programs and awareness on campus.

“BG will be the healthiest campus of them all,” Smith said.