I challenge YOU

Students of IU, I challenge YOU!\nYour mission, should you choose to accept it, is to take the initiative, get in shape this summer and become a more health-conscious person. I challenge you to make yourself the person you always wanted to be. The question now is: will you accept my challenge?\nAs I was flipping through a recent issue of Men's Fitness Magazine, an interesting article came up that chronicles the level of health around the country. According to the study, Indiana has the dubious distinction of being recognized as the 10th most un-fit state in the country, while Indianapolis as a city is ranked in the top 15 for the fourth consecutive year. Shocking, you may think?\nHardly.\nBefore I go into further detail, I want to advocate that I have no such prejudice against individuals who might be overweight. However, I do have a problem with the fact that, according to the Center for Disease Control, 300,000 people die each year from obesity-related causes, while the direct costs associated are estimated at $100 billion and rising. That's quite an alarming figure.\nSo, you may be asking what one can do to prevent this and become more health conscious. To start, one would find it beneficial to develop a personal health plan. This is an excellent point of departure, because it allows for one to target his or her goals and stay on track. \nHPER consultant Victor Mercado spoke about some of the programs available at the HPER.\n"Some programs that assist and encourage involvement towards achievement include aquatics, intramurals and cardiovascular sessions," he said. "There are a wide variety of programs available, and we encourage all students to come in, speak with a consultant and develop a plan."\nIn addition to these, Mercado described two programs that will help individuals start off on the right foot. The Activity Motivation Program allows for individuals to consult with professionals and set personal goals. The program rewards those who keep on track, but the personal satisfaction is by far the best thing to come from it. Additionally, one can hire a personal trainer for one-on-one instruction. There are a variety of options to choose from, including a three-session personal workout and a six-session buddy workout. The buddy package is a great idea because it allows for two people to motivate each other and split the costs at the same time.\nWhile these facilities offer great opportunities, it is ultimately the responsibility of the individual to realize that getting in shape is not a weekend retreat but is instead a continuous process. \nIU strength consultant Jonah Schein commented on the importance of dedication to a plan.\n"Individuals must be committed to becoming more fit," he said. "This means not only working hard in the gym, but also taking the initiative to live a healthy life outside as well."\n We must realize, though, that very few things can be done on our own. It's important to humble ourselves to the pros and seek their guidance. \n Schein said individuals will come in, load up the weights on the bench press and strain themselves or even drop flat on the floor. Not only can this cause serious injury, but it also can be a discouraging factor as well. \nSo students of IU, there you have it. Again, I challenge you this summer to go out and become more physically active. Don't settle on being a statistic; instead, be the solution. You will feel better about yourself, have more energy and become a healthier individual. You pay $37.46 a year on your Bursar bill for the facilities and services; you may as well take advantage of what you pay for. Make the most of yourself. Who knows, maybe I'll see you in the gym.