The Echo

Issue date: 10/29/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Rachel Sauls So delicious: A student gets ready to eat fries from Chik-fil-a and a sandwich from Grillworks. Students often opt for the unhealthy choices offered by food services based on convenience.

Since the opening of the ARC this semester, many new programs have been developed to counter student obesity and promote healthier lifestyles among students.

"Unfortunately, Chattanooga and Memphis have some of the highest obesity rates," Lindsay Manning, coordinator of fitness for the ARC, said.

"Tennessee is one of the 'fattest states in the United States' so I don't think obesity is just a campus problem, it's just a way of splitting up the statistics from Chattanooga." Manning said.

Although campus enrollment has reached more than 10,000, Manning said only about 10 percent of students are regular visitors to the ARC.

"We want to get the word out to let people know it's not as scary here as people think," Manning said, "There are many small things students can do to prevent being at risk for obesity, such as walking to the ARC instead of trying to park."

"Bring a friend," she said. "Regulars usually come with friends, which get people active instead of sitting on the couch watching TV," Manning said.

Other campus organizations are working to teach students that a healthy lifestyle can start with small steps.

Amy Vipond, a Chattanooga senior and vice president of the nutrition club, said, "We have had fruit sales to encourage students to eat nutrient-rich foods, rather than eating from vending machines."

Jasmine Westbrooks, a Memphis senior and public relations director for the nutrition club, said it is easy to beat obesity.

"Something as simple as eating more fruits and vegetables along with exercise can decrease risk for obesity," Westbrooks said.

Manning said the ARC is creating new programs to help students educate themselves about the risk of obesity.

"Beginning next semester, we will have a four-week program called Four Weeks to a New You," Manning said.

The classes will feature seminars once a week with topics ranging from "How to eat healthy on a college paycheck," to a sample grocery sheet for students.

"Beginning with an initial assessment to help students understand their fitness levels, the four-week class will help promote healthier lifestyles for students who typically wouldn't work out," she said.

"We will also have a program called, 'Get in shape for Spring Break' that will begin right after the first program to help students stay motivated," Manning said.

There are numerous ways students can stay active until these programs begin next semester.

"We are trying to reach out to different organizations of campus to offer students different varieties for students," Manning said.

"We have 'ab-attack' classes, basketball, rock climbing, self- defense classes for women, group aerobics and spin classes," she said.

Students interested in learning more about the classes the ARC offers can find more information and schedules online at the campus recreation Web site.

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