EXERCISE AND PHYSICAL FITNESS
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The Aquatic and Fitness Center is a state-of-the-art facility that supports a wide range of activities for the university community and provide programs including swimming and water safety, aerobics and group exercise classes, personal training, Thai Boxing, Capoeira, massage, and yoga. The center also includes a workout gallery with free weights and weight machines, treadmills, cross training equipment and stationary bikes. In addition, there is a competitive Olympic pool, and a recreational swimming pool and spa. With the exception of services and personal instruction all amenities of the center are free to students. For more detailed information on hours, fees, and for other services provided call 703-993-3939 or visit the web site at http://aquatics.gmu.edu/index.html.
Club and Varsity Sports – Information about Mason’s club and varsity sports can be found at http://recsports.gmu.edu/clubsports.html.
The Field House offers an indoor track, weight and locker rooms, saunas, basketball courts and an indoor multi-purpose sports facility used by the baseball, softball, lacrosse and soccer teams. As the home of the indoor men's and women's track and field teams, it has served as host to the Mobil Invitational and the USA Track and Field Golden Spike Invitational Indoor Meet. More information is available at http://gomason.collegesports.com/facilities/gema-fieldhouse.html.
An overview and directions to the various fitness facilities on campus can be viewed at http://gomason.collegesports.com/facilities/gema-facilities.html and also http://recsports.gmu.edu/facilities.html.
The Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center, Prince William Campus, has one of the largest and most beautiful indoor natatoriums in Northern Virginia. Featuring a 50-meter competition pool that can hold multiple activities, a warm-water leisure pool with play features and beach entry, and a whirlpool spa where adults can relax after a workout, the Freedom Center offers a pleasant and comfortable aquatic experience year-round. The Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center offers a wide variety of fitness equipment, classes, and programs to reach fitness goals including Cardio Room with Treadmills, Climbers and Crosstrainers, State of the Art Exercise Equipment and Free Weights, and Basketball Court with Overhead Suspended Running Track. A wide variety of fee-based sports programs to meet people’s needs and desires for recreational activity and skill instruction is also available. Programs include, but are not limited to, basketball, volleyball, junior gymnastics, and mixed sports. Course descriptions and class schedules are available in a downloadable and printable PDF document online at http://www.freedom-center.com/ or by calling the Customer Service Desk by phone at 703-993-8444 during operating hours. All Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center programs require registration in advance.
The Think Guide (http://www.gmu.edu/thinkguide/students.html) and Health Education Services (http://www.gmu.edu/student/health/serv01.htm) both highlight the importance of exercise when managing a stressful academic schedule throughout the semester to maintain optimal individual health. Mason provides outstanding exercise facilities for men and women, including the Recreation and Sports Center, the Hemlock Overlook Center for Outdoor Education, and the Aquatic and Fitness Center. Even if a student wasn’t very athletic in high school, the student can find exercise activities or classes that to enjoy and use to stay fit. As to food, moderation is the key to maintaining a healthy diet and appropriate weight. There are several examples of exercise opportunities right here on campus: walking, jogging, basketball, tennis, aerobics, swimming and many others.
Intercollegiate Athletics include men’s baseball, golf, and wrestling; women’s softball, lacrosse, and rowing; and men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, and volleyball. For sports information updates, call the Sports Hotline at 703-993-4074 or visit the web site at http://gomason.collegesports.com/.
Any student, staff, or faculty member from George Mason University can play Intramural Sports. There are specific rules about participation by former varsity and professional athletes; however, teams and individuals wishing to participate in a particular activity should come to the Recreation Sports Office in the Aquatic and Fitness Center. A completed roster form is required for teams; individuals can place their names on a “free agent” list and teams needing players can select from this “free agent” list. If interested, visit http://recsports.gmu.edu/intramural/ for more information.
Outdoor Recreation programs range from one hiking trips to weekend getaways and all information is available at http://recsports.gmu.edu/outdoor_rec.html.
Patriot Circle is just under 2 miles in distance and is a frequently used trail by runners from students to local residents.
Recreational Sports – see http://recsports.gmu.edu/ for more information. <back to top>
City of Fairfax Parks and Recreation web site offers listings of parks,
trails, pools, athletic fields, and recreation centers at
http://www.fairfax.va.gov/ParksRec/ParksRec.asp
Fairfax County Park Authority offers a wide variety of program choices to allow an individual to pick the best personal program to increase personal fitness levels. Yoga, kickboxing, aerobics and Pilates are all options to fit different styles, interests and abilities. Exercise and fitness instructors have different teaching styles, and some classes combine various fitness regimens. Men and women are welcome at all classes. It is recommended to check with a doctor before beginning an exercise program. Information on locations, times, and fees can be found at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/classes/fitness.htm.
Fairfax County Park Authority Park News web page also contains information on county parks, recreation centers, special events, campgrounds, trails, and fitness, exercise and recreation venues in Fairfax County. To plan a day trip or weekend excursion, or simply for general information visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/news.htm.
Friends of the Washington and Old Dominion Trail (FOWOD) is a non-profit citizens’ organization dedicated to the preservation, enhancement and promotion of the W&OD trail, a 45-mile multi-use rail-trail that is owned and operated by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. Use this site to learn more about the trail, to keep up to date on current events happening on or near the trail, to support the efforts of the FOWOD, and to share thoughts and ideas. Check out the site at http://www.wodfriends.org/.
The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NVRPA) represents three counties and three cities--Arlington County, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, the City of Alexandria, the City of Falls Church and the City of Fairfax. Regional Park Authority staff, volunteer board members appointed from each jurisdiction, and many friends of the regional parks working together have preserved more than 10,000 acres of the rolling and wooded Virginia countryside and created a legacy for future generations. Through the regional parks, the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority provides almost two million citizens with recreational facilities in the country. From a wave pool to nature trails, from golfing to boating, there's a Northern Virginia Regional Park that is just right for a day, a weekend or a week. All information is available online at http://www.nvrpa.org/.
The Washington Area Bicyclist Association has been promoting bicycling as a healthy and sustainable means of transportation by advocating for better riding conditions in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. For information on bike paths and trails, events and rides, and other activities, resources, and biking news in the metropolitan area, visit http://www.waba.org. <back to top>
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) is a nonprofit organization committed
to enriching quality of life through safe and effective physical activity.
ACE protects all segments of society against ineffective fitness products,
programs and trends through its ongoing public education, outreach, and
research. It also protects the public by setting certification and continuing
education standards for fitness professionals. For health and fitness
tips, assistance in developing a personal fitness plan, or to locate
a health club, browse the many resources online at http://www.acefitness.org/getfit/default.aspx.
The American Heart Association is a national voluntary health agency
whose mission is to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular diseases
and stroke. Through swimming, cycling, jogging, skiing, aerobic dancing,
walking or dozens of other activities one can maintain a healthy heart
in a structured exercise program or part of a daily routine. The Exercise
and Fitness web page at http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200013 shares simple tips and ideas for exercise at home, at work and at play.
Suggestions on how to increase daily physical activity and integrating
a routine into life’s activities can be found at http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=2155.
Bicycling.com is an award-winning enthusiast web site with cycling news, gear information, and interactive features including forums, personal training services, and searchable databases of gear and rides. Key features of the site include a Tip of the Day plus personalized programs and very active user forums. Check out this site for information on how to add cycling to an exercise regimen or to increase performance at http://www.bicycling.com.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Division
of Nutrition and Physical Activity (DNPA), takes a public health approach
to address the role of nutrition and physical activity in improving the
public's health and preventing and controlling chronic diseases. DNPA
activities include research, surveillance, training and education, intervention,
promotion and leadership, policy and environmental change, communication
and social marketing, and partnership development. Along with tobacco
use, physical inactivity and poor dietary habits are leading causes of
premature death in the nation. More information can be found at http://health.jbpub.com/hwonline/web_exercises_visit.cfm?WeblinksID=269&URL
=http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp
/sgr/sgr.htm&chapter=7&goto=news_chapter.
Choose To Move is a free physical activity program for women, explaining regular exercise, healthful eating, selecting nutritious foods, and how to take time for themselves. http://www.s2mw.com/choosetomove/index.html.
Consumer Health WebWatch is an arm of Consumer Reports that has begun rating the 20 most-trafficked health information web sites. These were produced in collaboration with the Health Improvement Institute (HII), a Bethesda-based nonprofit and can be viewed at http://www.healthratings.org/mainsite.html.
Just Move is an online tool to help people begin or continue an exercise program. The main purpose of the site is to give viewers key information about physical activity, health information resources, and an Exercise Diary to track daily progress. Also included is a virtual personal trainer and current fitness news. http://www.justmove.org/.
MedlinePlus houses a wealth of excellent health information from the National Library of Medicine for health professionals and consumers. MedlinePlus Exercise and Physical Fitness has extensive information from the National Institutes of Health and other trusted sources on health information and is updated daily at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/exerciseandphysicalfitness.html.
My Pyramid Tracker is an online dietary and physical activity assessment tool that provides information on diet quality, physical activity status, related nutrition messages, and links to nutrient and physical activity information. The Food Calories/Energy Balance feature automatically calculates energy balance by subtracting the energy expended from physical activity from food calories/energy intake. Use of this tool helps the user better understand energy balance status and enhances the link between good nutrition and regular physical activity. Start using the pyramid at http://www.mypyramidtracker.gov/.
The National Health Information Center hosts the 2005 National Health Observances Calendars identifying days, weeks, or months devoted to promoting particular health concerns. This calendar lists selected health observances for 2005 in three ways: daily, weekly, and monthly (both text listing and on the “At a Glance” sheet). http://www.healthfinder.gov/library/nho/nhoyear.asp?year=2005.
The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports is a volunteer advisory committee appointed by the President through the Secretary of Health and Human Services who advises about physical activity, fitness, and sports in America. Through its programs and partnerships with the public, private and non-profit sectors, the Council serves as a catalyst to promote health, physical activity, fitness, and enjoyment for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities through participation in physical activity and sports (http://www.fitness.gov/). The President's Challenge is a program that encourages all Americans to make being active part of their everyday lives no matter what their activity and fitness level. Start earning Presidential awards for physical activity and fitness efforts by learning how to implement your program at http://www.presidentschallenge.org/home_adults.aspx.
Shape Up America (SUA) is a national initiative to promote healthy weight and increased physical activity involving a broad-based coalition of industry, medical/health, nutrition, physical fitness, and related organizations and experts. The purpose of SUA is to educate the public on the importance of the achievement and maintenance of a healthy body weight through the adoption of increased physical activity and healthy eating. SUA is focusing on redefining weight management by encouraging increased physical activity and healthy eating for all Americans and encourages small lifestyle changes that provide immediate health benefits. SUA is committed to disseminating these messages to men, women, and children of all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic status. Visit http://www.shapeup.org/ for more details.
Health and Fitness Organizations - http://www.fitness.gov/resources_health.htm
Books and Other Readings
Elder, B.M. (2002, April). Measuring Physical Fitness of Adults in the Primary Care Setting. The American Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 9-21.
Exercise: A Healthy Habit to Start and Keep. Retrieved June 2005 from http://home.mdconsult.com
Fighting Fat. (2003, March). Better Homes and Gardens, 134-138.
Finding Time to Exercise it can be done. (2005). Retrieved June 2005 from http://exercise.about.com/cs/fittingitin/a/timetoexercise.htm
Gavin, M. (2005). Exercise. Retrieved June 2005 from http://kidshealth.org./teen/school_jobs/college/exercise.html
Kaiser Permanente. (2004). 10,000 Steps. Retrieved December 2004 from http://www.kaiserpermanente.org/
Landry, G. Finding Time to Exercise. The Sideroad, Retrieved June 2005 from http://www.sideroad.com/Weight_Loss/finding-time-to-exercise.html
Metabolism to the Max. 2004). The Compass, 3-4.
National Health Observances Calendar 2005. http://www.healthfinder.gov/library/nho/nho.asp.
Physical Activity Fact Sheet – http://www.fitness.gov/resources_factsheet.htm
Physical Activity and Health At-A-Glance - http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/sgr/ataglan.htm. <back
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