Fitness, Athletics and Recreation will take you FAR…

What does it mean to be healthy? A number on a scale? The calories you count? “Too often, the focus is on the weight, and not the other pieces,” said Mark Brticevich, Coordinator of Fitness and Recreation for the Student Engagement department, during an open forum on healthy language for health and wellness.

Instead of obsessing on what you think you look like, maintaining or bettering your health should be the focus. That’s where the Student Athletics Association and the Fitness, Athletics and Recreation groups come in. Whether you prefer to grab some exercise through competitive sports or utilizing the fitness centers, they have plenty of ways to help you get the physical activity your body needs.

Elize Ramos, the Student Director of Event Planning at the Fitness Center, believes the athletic and fitness opportunities through Columbia are the best-kept secret on campus. The Fitness Center, in addition to cardio equipment, free weights and other tools for your personal workout, hold several exercise classes. And the use of the fitness center and classes is something you’ve already paid for with your campus fees.

But maybe friendly competition is more your thing? If so, the Student Athletics Association (aka The Renegades) has sports teams that would love to have you join in. Whether you’re into basketball, soccer, volleyball, cheerleading, or other sports, they encourage participation and teamwork. “The Renegades want to promote … friendly competition through athletics … and want to get as many people involved as possible,” said Abby Cress, president of the Student Athletic Association.

For more information, visit the Student Engagement site at colum.edu/students/engagement for more information. The SAA will also be accepting applications to their board for the Spring 2013 semester. If interested, email athletics@colum.edu for more information.