Stepping It Up – Getting Fit and Healthy In the New Year
Stepping It Up – Getting Fit and Healthy In the New Year
by: Mark Nycz
If you’re like most people, weight loss is a New Year’s resolution for 2016. According to statisticbrain.com, 38% of people listed weight loss as their resolution for 2015. Nestled on the grounds of ICC, the CougarPlex is the place to be if you are looking to get fit and make changes to your health in the coming year. From smoothies to PX90, the CougarPlex at Illinois Central College offers students a lot more than just a workout. There is a little something for everyone and this state of the art facility gives bigger gyms in the area a run for their money.
While most people have no trouble getting started in the gym, it’s later into February that attendance begins to decline. Fitness director Jena Cabrera states: “While most people start out with good intentions, by February we begin to see attendance slow down. Our goal is to try to keep people motivated, latch onto that initial motivation and let’s take it through the whole year.”
In order to help students and customers maintain their motivation the CougarPlex works to combat the common New Year’s fitness problems. Burn out, improper use of equipment leading to injury, and going too hard too fast are common issues that first time gym goers experience. According to Cabrera the first step is setting up a schedule you can stick with and that will work with your lifestyle.
Program coordinator Liz Burns states: “When someone first starts out, our staff takes them through an orientation of the whole fitness center. They go over the different types of equipment, and what they’re used for. We also have personal trainers who work one-on-one with our clients to develop the best workout plan for his/her needs and experience level”. Her biggest piece of advice for anyone looking to get into fitness is simple: “Just start.”
Contrary to popular belief, the CougarPlex is available to more than just students. “We are community based,” says Cabrera, “We offer public memberships and try to engage with the community as well.” One such program is the Silver Sneakers, a fitness class for seniors citizens that promotes health and wellness and is offered for free through select insurance providers.
The primary focus of the CougarPlex of course is the students, teachers and staff of ICC. At $75 a semester for Fall/Spring membership for students and $25 a month for staff the cost is reasonable for almost anyone wanting to start the new year getting healthy and fit.
Aside from standard gym equipment, the Cougarplex offers a host of exercise classes including the very popular BodyPump. This mix of weightlifting and cardio provides a full body workout that tones and builds strength. For the early risers, classes begin at 6 am and again at noon for those who prefer a mid-day workout. they gym is open 7 days a week ensuring that no matter your schedule, there is a possibility that you can find time to get a workout in. Other offerings include Insanity, Piyo, and the ever popular Zumba for those who love to dance. Student athletes have their own section of the fitness center that allows them to hone in and laser focus on their specific training needs.
The CougarPlex at ICC is a one-stop location for anyone looking to exercise and get healthy in the coming year. Far more than a place with weights, it is a full service gym that caters to the diverse population of students, staff and community members that it serves. To apply for membership and get started on your own fitness journey, contact them at 309.694.5419 or via e-mail at fitnesscenter@icc.edu
You can learn more about their hours of operation, full courses offered and equipment available by visiting http://icc.edu/around-campus/health-fitness/fitness-center/
Featured image photo taken from ICC Fitness Center information page.