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The sixth annual
Interval Training program took place on a cold Thursday evening in the
warm, cheerfully decorated and well-equipped Student Dormitories Sports
Hall. It started at 6:30 p.m., so the participants were already tired
from a long day at school. However, they all had a look of anticipation
on their faces.
The gym was divided into
four sections: weight and abs training; step and aerobics; stationary
bicycles and rowing machines; and fitness balls, which were introduced
this year. The participants, who were divided into four groups, took
turns doing each activity for about three minutes.
After an hour, the gym
was cleared of dividers, and everyone did Tae Bo. By this time, I was
done taking pictures so I stepped back and watched. I was astonished to
see that most of the participants were still smiling after an hour of
vigorous exercise. I could see that the people watching from the
sidelines were enjoying themselves too, and seemed to be itching to run
out into the gym and join in the activity.
The program ended with
stretching exercises. This was followed by a round of applause from the
participants, who immediately went to the back of the room to get their
rewards: fruit and a Bilkent t-shirt. I walked around and spoke with
many students and faculty members. Almost everyone said that they loved
the new addition to the program, the fitness ball, and the majority
agreed (with a groan) that the hardest activity was abs training. The
biggest complaint seemed to be that the program is only held once a
semester.
Exercising is certainly
something we should do on a regular basis, not just once a semester. So,
until next semester, you might want to consider taking one of the many
aerobics and fitness courses offered at the Bilkent sports facilities.
For more information, contact Filiz Gür at ext. 3190.
Sera De Vor (AMER/I)
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