It's a safe bet almost everybody's New Year's Resolutions at one time or another have to do with exercising more often. For most people, the resolution fades as soon as it leaves their mouths.
But this year, thanks to the staff of U of O’s new Rawhouser Weight and Fitness Center, everyone has a better shot at accomplishing that one elusive goal: Getting In Shape.
"Coach Shaun Wiseman had approached me last semester having read about a fitness challenge going on at another university," said Fitness Center Director Cassie Saorrono, a senior Physical Education major and Health minor. "After thinking about it all last semester, this spring seemed to be a good time. January brings everyone’s New Year’s resolutions, and lots of people need to trim down before bikini season and spring break. We thought a competition would be a good way to help promote the fitness center and promote health and fitness in general."
The "Are You Joe Enough?" contest is named for Dean of Students Joe Hoing, who teaches his weight training class in the new facility.
"I was trying to think of a name for the competition," said Saorrono, "and it seemed obvious. Joe’s the fitness guru around here. He’s always in there on the exercise bike, always preaching about ‘no white flour and no white sugar,’ and so I thought it’d be cool to name it after him - "Are You Joe Enough?" I told him that a lot of people signing up said he was the reason, but he doesn’t believe me!"
Saorrono said response to the challenge had been very good. "A lot of people have signed up," she said. "There will be a prize for the winner, as a little added incentive. My personal goal is to promote health and fitness, and to see if this challenge could have an impact on somebody’s life who needs a little extra motivation to lose weight. Hopefully this will help. We always remind everybody that teaming up is the best way to get into shape, because if you have that motivation of someone counting on you, it makes a lot of difference, whereas if you are doing it all alone, a lot of times people give up."
Participants will have access to recommended workouts using the Rawhouser equipment, as well as the chance to be named "Joe of the Year." In addition to the winning prize, all participants will have the option of purchasing an "Are You Joe Enough?" T-shirt featuring the visage and motto of Joe Hoing for only $7.
The challenge offers a fitness test prior to and after the challenge so participants can track their progression. The fitness testing includes weight, height, Body Mass Index, flexibility, and a cardio test. Weigh-ins will take place every other week and be kept on file for the length of the competition, but will be kept totally private.
The winner will be chosen based on the participant having the highest percentage of weight loss by May 1st, 2012, based on the individual’s beginning weight.
Those interested should go by the Student Life office downstairs in the student center or email csaor6698@ozarks.edu to sign up. Sign-ups this week will continue on Wednesday, Feb. 8 and Friday, Feb. 10, every half hour from 8:00 a.m. -10:30 a.m.
Topics: Student Events