By Jane Putnam
Whether working out is a daily, weekly or occasional event, it''s important for students to make sure they are meeting all of the work out prerequisites: knowing when to work out, what to eat and where to go.
Some think working out in the morning is the best time of the day to work out because it increases metabolism. According to 'Body Sculpting Bible for Men' morning workouts are best because growth hormones are at the highest levels, which are the hormones that influence fat loss the most.
However, Neil Nokes, director of Y-B-FIT on campus, said there is no specific time that someone should work out.
'Everyone is so busy,' he said. 'They should just fit in working out whenever they can.'
However, Nokes added it is not a good idea to work out before going to bed at night because it will raise the level of adrenaline in the body, making it harder to fall asleep.
According to a recent article on CNN.com, sports nutritionists across the nation are encouraging people to eat before and after working out.
Whether exercising takes place in the morning, afternoon or evening, muscles need carbohydrates for fuel to make it through the exercise, the article stated.
'The worst thing you can do is starve yourself and then work out,' said Brent Feland, an associate professor of exercise science.
Feland recommended not eating a heavy meal right before working out because it takes the body time to digest that food and turn it into usable energy. However, that doesn''t mean skipping eating all together.
'You should definitely eat within three hours of when you''re going to work out,' he said. 'Your body needs some energy - just steer away from the heavy meals.'
Foods that are heavier include meats and high fat foods, Nokes said. He suggested eating fruits, whole grains or drinking juices before working out. Basically, don''t eat foods that will take a longer time to digest.
Physical fitness and staying in shape are issues of concern for college students. In Provo, there are plenty of fitness centers ready and willing to cater to their needs.
Gold''s Gym, 24-Hour Fitness and the Richard''s Building gym are all popular places for BYU students to work out.
Each offers different amenities and charges different fees.
Prices
- 24-Hour Fitness: while prices and specials vary throughout the year, the current 'one club access membership' initiation fee is $49, with a $79.99 processing fee and monthly dues of $27.99
- Gold''s Gym: While they do not offer a student discounts, there are several different packages available, said Lance Nelson, a sales representative at the Provo Gold''s Gym. Prices can be obtained by visiting any Gold''s Gym.
- Richard''s Building gym: Free to full-time students with an ID card.
The Richard''s Building attracts many students, like Rich Millar, because it is free.
'I work out at the Richard''s Building everyday because it''s free and it''s close,' Millar, 24, a dietics major, said. 'It''s always busy there.'
Amenities
- 24-Hour Fitness: pool, sauna, steam room, a court that doubles as a volleyball and basketball court and a Kids'' Club
- Gold''s Gym: weights, a variety of classes including kick-boxing and group cycling, tanning is available for an additional fee
- Richard''s Building gym: a pool, indoor and outdoor track, basketball courts, raquetball and volleyball courts
Contracts
- 24-Hour Fitness: no contracts are required; membership is on a month-to-month basis and can be cancelled at any time without a penalty fee
- Gold''s Gym: one- or two-year contacts are available
- Richard''s Building gym: students are able to use the gym as long as they are full-time students
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