On Tuesday, Oct. 18, the first of a series of introductory nights to the EMU weight room, located on the north side of the indoor track in the University Commons, took place. The event was created and led by Senior Forrest Shuey, as a part of his Sports and Recreation Management internship. While only one student showed up, it was still a productive and education-filled evening in the free weights room in the Fitness Center. Forrest knew that attendance might be a little hit or miss for the first night that the event was offered, citing how close it was to fall break, but he hopes there will be an uptick in interest once the second session of classes begins.
When asked why she decided to attend, Junior Sarah Moore, the sole participant, said, “I’m at a transitional point in my life and I need some type of outlet that benefits my mind and body.”
According to helpguide.org, along with the physical benefits of regularly exercising, working out can help relieve stress, improve memory, boost overall mood, and improve sleep quality. Studies have also shown exercise can treat mild to moderate depression with the same effectiveness as anti-depression medication by reducing inflammation, encouraging neural growth, and promoting feelings of calm and well-being. Sophomore Grant Liechty, an EMU athlete who spends significant time in the weight room, said that the reason he works out is that he believes “working out helps not only your physical health but your mental health as well. So I try to work out at least three times a week.”
Some exercises that Forrest demonstrated included barbell squats, bench press, and deadlifts, but he’s willing to help anyone with any exercise they are curious about. The inspiration behind the event idea, Shuey said, was to “give students who don’t know a whole lot about the weight room or working out a place to learn. To teach them what the weight room is and how the different machines work, like proper form and constructing workouts and sets and reps.”
Don’t worry if you missed out on the first couple opportunities to attend this event, the final Introduction to the Weight Room session is this upcoming Tuesday, Nov. 1. Don’t miss out!
