Ryder expands selection for fit Cards

October 19, 2009 —

As colder weather settles in, some Cardinals may seek a little extra motivation to stay in shape.

Personal trainers and new fitness equipment and classes make the SVSU’s fitness center a one-stop shop for workouts that keep exercisers coming back for more, says Ryan Simmons, an exercise science senior and the Ryder Center’s fitness coordinator.

Simmons is one of two personal trainers who work with student clients. Trainers provide both motivation and tips on how to exercise right at a lower price compared to other gyms, Simmons said.

“The trainer is motivation enough,” he said. “You’re not going to miss a class when you have one, and if you do, you’re paying for it.”

From weight-lifting machines and free weights to cardio equipment, Simmons instructs his clients on proper form that is key for safety and seeing maximum results.

He notices how stair climber handrails can be one fitness foe.

“A lot of people will support their body weight on the bar … but you’re not getting the most out of our your workout if you do it this way,” Simmons said.

Any SVSU student can register for packages ranging from $25 to $60 or $7 a session for nine or more hourlong sessions. A free fitness assessment precedes these contracts. Buddy workouts are a new option for students who want to train with a friend.

Trainers will tailor workouts to match the results individual clients wish to see, such as adding bulk, toning up or increasing speed.

Simmons said he rarely uses the same workout twice for any client.

“You can’t make a cookie cutter workout [that fits] every single person,” he said.

Switching things up also helps exercisers steer clear of the “plateau” effect that slows results when a person’s body adjusts to a particular routine.

Simmons says it takes only a couple of sessions for a client to pick up tips on how to exercise more effectively without a trainer.

Independent exercisers have a range of new equipment at their disposal.

Over the summer SVSU replaced all treadmills with new ones, added four new elliptical machines and purchased other fitness gear, including jump ropes, medicine balls, resistance bands and a scale. Rowing machines should debut by January.

The dumbbell selection now includes weights from 50 to 100 lbs — an addition Simmons says was made to accommodate students who want to use free weights when the weight room is crowded with athletes who are required to train.

Simmons said the fitness center has seen a steady flow of students all semester — a scenario that differs from previous years when usage tended to taper off after the semester’s start.

But finding open equipment should not be a problem at any time of the day, he assures.

“There should always be an open spot on the cardio equipment, but you might have to wait if you want a specific kind of machine.”

Numbers are also up for Cardinal fitness classes. The Ryder Center doubled the amount of classes it offers this year.

Classes range from yoga to total body toning. A full list and registration forms are available on SVSU’s Web site.

Simmon’s advice to all exercisers who need a boost is “Change it up every day. If you change it up and it’s not boring, you’re more likely to keep at it.”