Grand Valley Magazine Spring 2015 - (Page 30)

Q&A Q&A Harmon/DesArmo by Dottie Barnes | photos by Amanda Pitts Health and wellness programs and options for students, faculty and staff members at Grand Valley are expanding. The university offers more than a dozen programs for faculty and staff that promote healthy eating, physical activity and mental wellness. A variety of fitness classes, group activities, club sports and healthy meal choices are available for students. The Recreation Center sees an average of 360,000 visits each year; there were 52,000 visits in January alone. The Board of Trustees approved a 16,900-square-foot addition to the center, scheduled to be completed in August 2016. Grand Valley Magazine spoke with Kate Harmon, director of Campus Recreation, and Lindsey DesArmo, Health and Wellness specialist, about what it takes to create a fit campus. 30 Spring '15 Kate Harmon GVM: The benefits of exercise and healthy eating are clear, but what has your research found about the benefits of incorporating health and wellness in the workplace or in an educational setting? Harmon: Exercise helps with memory retention and is a stress reliever. Students feel a sense of belonging when they are involved in a sport or an activity. Many students participated in team sports in high school and look for that same opportunity in college. Our club sport opportunities fit that need, and that helps with retention. DesArmo: Faculty and staff members who are physically healthy feel less stress, can manage their days better and feel more productive. It's not about training for a marathon or performing amazing athletic feats. Physical health is about feeling well and being able to do our everyday activities. Some find it easier to commit to a healthier lifestyle when health and wellness are promoted in the workplace. GVM: Do many participate in the available programs or visit the Recreation Center? Harmon: We have more than a thousand students participating in club sports and last year 4,000 students participated in intramural sports. We are excited about the much-needed addition planned for the Rec Center. Last year, 17,000 students visited the Rec Center and there were 7,500 visits to the Climbing Center. We've had students waiting in line to use certain rooms and equipment. The additional space will be used for more cardio equipment and room for weight lifting.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Grand Valley Magazine Spring 2015

Campus News
Athletics
Donor Impact
Behind the gallery
Beer boom
Reenactment takes center stage in classroom
Global GV
Focal Point
Arts
Sustainability
Q&A Harmon, DesArmo
Off the Path
Research
Alumni News

Grand Valley Magazine Spring 2015