By Kamri Alexander | Reporter
Baylor has some specific lifetime fitness classes that everyone wants to get into before they graduate because they’re fun and really easy, which is fair. I’ve gotten my fair chance to take those classes — like weight control, which is an adult physical education class but was so much fun. Others also enjoy beginner’s tennis, aerobic walking, gardening and other low-intensity classes. Now, don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with those classes, but there’s something special about challenging yourself to take the physically demanding lifetime fitness classes.
I challenged myself one semester to take aerobic running, and I knew it would be difficult, but what I didn’t expect was to take the class with a teacher who cared about his students becoming better athletes and humans. At first, the class turned out to be one of the hardest classes I’ve ever taken, both mentally and physically. But in the end, it was the most exhilarating class I’ve ever taken. Needless to say, if you ever get a chance to take aerobic running — or any other class with lecturer Scott Landerholm — don’t miss that opportunity.
Baylor offers so many other classes like this that push you to new limits. The reward is that you get to grow in ways you never thought you would and learn about your mental strength. Aerobic running, weight training, backpacking and camping, mountain biking, rock climbing and other more strenuous activities push you out of your comfort zone and, in the end, are usually worth it.
There is also a lasting impact that these classes have. Sure, you get the benefits of an activity for a semester, but some finish these classes with a newfound love for that activity. Many of these classes are outdoor- or adventure-related and come with physical, social and mental benefits. Columnist Tina Pashley offers insight into the positive effects of taking up these hobbies long-term, such as more restful sleep, better self-esteem and reduced anxiety.
Building a healthy lifestyle is also a part of the reason Baylor requires its students to take lifetime fitness classes. We are already allotted the time in our undergraduate careers to grow physically, mentally and socially. The choice is ours to take advantage of those classes and want to grow.
I completely get it. Why run, mountain bike or lift weights at 8 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday when you could take fitness and relaxation? But luckily, all of us have to take at least one lifetime fitness class to graduate. Consider challenging yourself with that class. It could benefit you in more ways than you could imagine.
