Though somewhat outdated, students can still meet their workout needs at Howard Hall
By Hannah Gray
Although the renovation for Howard Hall is far away, it does not mean that you cannot maximize your workout with what is offered. Everyone will agree that the hall isn't the best, but don't let the building turn you away. Howard offers enough machines for you to get a full body workout, with a little bit of variety in doing so. Scott Bradford, the Director of Athletic Performance, said that in order to get the best work out in Howard Hall, which you can, pick different activities to rotate through each week. Swim for some cardio one day. Play basketball the next. Make use of the climbing ropes, punching bags and rowing machines in the upstairs gym. "Be creative by utilizing bodyweight and free weight exercises pair up together and time your rest periods," Bradford said. The first and the most important thing is to have a bumping mix to get you fired up and ready to workout. You need to find music that you enables you to focus on your workout while enjoying it. Having fun while you work out is essential because Howard Hall doesn't provide the best aura for you to get excited to workout. Any artist or mix that is upbeat will work perfectly, like Kylie Minogue or a techno mix. Secondly, you need to decide what it is that you want to work on, whether it is your butt, legs, abs, or arms. Butt: Use the stair-stepping machine, in a short stepping manner, by simply going up and down (not out). Depending on your workout level, adjust the resistance properly. If you are intermediate level, do about a 1 to 3 resistance, and up from there depending on your level. Legs: Machines ranging from a treadmill to an elliptical weight machine designated for legs will suffice. If you want to tone your legs, use the treadmill or the bike. If you decide to walk then make sure you are at a speed where you are power walking, rather than just strolling. If you want to build muscle, use a weight machine where your legs work against resistance. If you want to slim your legs, use the elliptical at a specific resistance and height range. Abs: By using the ab machine, you are able to do sit-ups by adjusting the resistance to your strength. Make sure you do not outdo yourself otherwise you'll find out that even laughing hurts the next day. When you are doing sit-ups it is important to do them in reps. For example, 15 sit-ups for three reps, taking a break between sets. After each rep, make sure you stretch and increase the amount per rep as your ability increases. To work out your lower abs, use the machine above to hoist yourself up and pull your legs up as far as you can. For the more advanced, pull your knees up while pulling up on each side of your body. Do reps here as well. Arms: Toning your arms depends on what muscles in your arms you want to work out. Use these different methods to train the different muscles of your arms. Use the lateral pull machine by adjusting the weights appropriately. Hold each hand on the sides of the attached ropes, pull down fully extending your arms. The number of reps and sets depend on your level, but if you are a beginner, start out easy with about 5-10 reps for about three sets, then work your way up. Use the rowing machine by adjusting the weights; holding onto each side of the handle. Pull by using your upper strength to help you. This machine helps build upper body strength. Adjust it to appropriate weight, then fully extend your arms into the air. Do reps and sets here that mirror your ability. Also, curling with dumbbells is a great way to work out different areas of your arm muscles. Depending on the manner in which you lift, you can focus on certain muscles. Find weights that you are comfortable with, either standing or sitting; lift the weights, doing sets. Alternate between arms. Besides machines and weights, Howard also offers a variety of classes. Registration for the Spring 09 semester is next week, so make sure you fit the workout classes into your schedule. From early morning to night, there is bound to be something that catches your eye. They have hip hop classes, weight training, boot camp, yoga, kickboxing, total body workout, and more. There is a workout class every day of the week, except for Saturday. The list and times of classes can be found at the front desk of Howard Hall.
