Getting active at ISU

Fitness has been trending within the last few years in the US and amongst students on Indiana State University’s campus who are continuing to use the many fitness facilities and fields around campus on a daily basis.

“I used to be on the track and field team here and now, not being involved on the team, I need something to keep me occupied,” Tyler Crooks, senior exercise science major said, “I got into fitness because I enjoyed it.  The SRC has lots of resources to tailor to people’s workouts.” 

Crooks is in his senior year and is one of the personal trainers at the SRC. Crooks recently had the opportunity this past Monday morning to train with President Bradley.  Crooks said he started training by demoing the machines and exercises as his supervisor and the head of the SRC watched.  Crooks then designed a workout and ran Bradley through it for an hour. 

“The SRC is easiest area to work out for students,” Crooks said. “But there are other places in Terre Haute to do so.”  

Sloan Jones, a junior studying textiles, apparel and merchandising also makes use of the facility.

“I try to go to the rec center almost every other day when I’m not busy,” Jones said.

When Jones visits the SRC she runs a mile and meets up with her friends who guide her to the right exercise machines for her workout style. 

Crooks said that in order to help people cross the first hurdle into a more active lifestyle he first finds why they want to be active and what their motives are. During scheduled times the SRC holds Group Fitness X classes ranging from Zumba and Power Core Ab workouts to aquatic workout classes. 

“I took Zumba.  It’s a lot of fun.  I recommend it,” Jones said. 

The Rec Center isn’t the only place on campus to help students stay fit. ISU’s campus also has three outdoor fields students are welcome to use for various activities. Wolf field has outdoor basketball courts and a beach volleyball court with a field used to play a variety of sports like football and soccer. 

Mark’s field also sports a 400-meter running track used by the Indiana State track and field teams.  Kennedy field is another grass field located farther from the dormitories than the other fields where the marching band and color guard practices. Other students use this field for activities like ultimate frisbee. 

“I do exercise with my color guard team 3 times a week,” Jones said. “We practice at Kennedy Field on Spruce Street and do workouts but we don’t use any workout facilities as a team.”

“There is no down side to being active,” Crooks said. “You work out to feel better.  Also it is a good social interaction.”

The arena is also open to students and contains the six basketball courts where the majority of the intermural sports are held. It is also the only place on campus with racquetball courts and outdoor tennis courts. Rec east is also located on Spruce Street across the street from Kennedy Field.  This field has two softball fields with a bike track surrounding them. Many intramural sports are held here like football and softball. All student of ISU are welcome to participate in intramural sports.  Intramural sports offered include: soccer, handball, wiffleball, flag football, tug-o-war, tennis, volleyball, pickleball, corn hole, floor hockey, basketball, a one day swim meet, softball, kickball, badminton, ultimate Frisbee and dodge ball. All sign-ups can be done online on the Indiana State rec sport intramural sports website.