The Press-Dispatch
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The Press-Dispatch A-9 Wednesday, April 17, 2013 College students working out at campus gyms get better grades By Amy Patterson Neubert College students who visit their campus gyms are more likely to succeed in the classroom, according to data from Purdue University. "Students who worked out at Purdue's gym at least once a week were more likely to earn a higher grade point average than students who visited less or not at all," says Tricia Zelaya, assistant director for student development and assessment at Purdue's Division of Recreational Sports. "Going to the gym is so much more than going to the gym. Students who are motivated by fitness and wellness tend to have better time management skills, and research shows that being fit is good for the mind. It all ties together." For example, the more than 1,820 students who visit Purdue's France A. Córdova Recreational Sports Center at least 16 times a month earned a GPA of 3.10 or higher. The correlation between grades and gym use also is shown with moderate users. Students who used the gym at least seven times a month had an average GPA of 3.06. This data is based on spring semester 2010 gym use and grades, which was tracked by students checking in using their student identification number. Using these identification numbers, school officials can then generate a report based on GPA. Be- cause the facility was under renovation the last two years, comparable data for recent semesters is not available, but will be later this year once a full semester is recorded. So far, the preliminary data is showing the same trend, Zelaya says. Renovations to Purdue's facility are part of a national trend. The National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association reports that more than $1.7 billion dollars has been spent or is allocated for new construction, renovations or expansions for U.S. college recreational facilities in 20102015. "Universities are making this investment to improve student life and retain students, but we think something more is happening," Zelaya says. "Some might assume time at a gym is a distraction from academics, but it is really part of the learning landscape." Bonnie Tjeerdsma Blankenship, Purdue professor of health and kinesiology, says there is research that shows how physical activity has a positive impact on student academic achievement, including children pre school through 12th grade. "It's not a surprise to see this relationship for college students," says Blankenship, who monitors a Midwest study that looks at how an exercise-based afterschool program contributes to elementary school students' cognitive func- tion. "The cognitive benefits of physical activity is something I emphasize in our physical education teacher courses, and it's a lifestyle habit that is never too young to learn." Facilities such as Purdue's are being renovated to increase space and to add services that support health and wellness. At Purdue, registered dietitians are on staff to discuss nutrition, and students have access to personal trainers and fitness consultants. Representatives from the Student Wellness Office are also onsite. "Student success re search shows that engaged students do better academically, and we see that when they come here with their friends as well as classmates or study groups," Zelaya says. "This is a place where students learn to use physical activity to cope with stress. Being fit also is about getting the appropriate amount of sleep, and that is key to doing well in school. Our goals for success go beyond the classroom and are aimed at helping young people develop healthy habits for life." While many universities have studied user demographics, such as frequency of on- or off-campus students who visit the gym, Zelaya says comparing grades with gym use is a new trend, which is made easy by new student identification card swipe systems in these updated buildings. Breast cancer survivors win when teaming up for community races By Amy Patterson Neubert Breast cancer sur vivors training together for a spring walk or run not only challenge images of being sick with cancer, but also personally benefit physically, emotionally and mentally, says a Purdue University expert. "Breast cancer survivors who team up and take an interest in exercise after dealing with the disease not only live but thrive from the physical and social benefits of exercising with other survivors," says Meghan McDonough, an associate professor of health and kinesiology who studies exercise and social relationships. She has found that the women participating with other survivors in regular fitness activities also meet emotional, information and social needs. For example, these women develop positive images of themselves as cancer survivors and report that the camaraderie helps improve confidence and empowerment. Everyone's experience is different, but McDonough says many women fall into profiles of either developing a feisty spirit of survivorship, wanting to help others or focusing on the fitness and competition. "It is moving and empowering to see women dressed in pink and walking with other survivors in community events, and it is these times where their inner strength is really visible," McDonough says. McDonough has spent more than 10 years interviewing and obser ving breast cancer survivors who M Z netedition yeah, it' that fast! s The Press-Dispatch. No matter where you live. www.PressDispatch.net/Subscribe participate in dragon boat racing. Most women are unfamiliar with the sport, but they team up in community races to paddle these 43-foot vessels propelled by 20 people. McDonough is an affiliate member of the Oncological Sciences Center in Purdue's Discovery Park and the International Breast Cancer and Nutrition Project at Purdue. Perfect attendance winner at PES Each grading period, the name of a Petersburg Elementary student with perfect attendance is drawn at random to win a bicycle. The winner for the third quarter was third grader, Taylor Atkins. The bicycle was donated by Timeless Classics. JUNK IT We will come to your home or business to remove your junk. We take anything, even the hard to get rid of items such as televisions, monitors, refrigerators, tires, sofas, paints and batteries. Quote includes disposal fees, labor and hauling. Or drOp aNd yOU lOad We can drop a 14' trailer (equivalent to 3 pickup loads or 10 yards) at your home or business for you to load at your convenience. 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