Healthy Body, Healthy Mind:

Students Staying Active at Canadore

College students have a lot on their plates: assignments, deadlines, late-night studying, and, in some cases, the added responsibility of a part-time job.

Often it can be difficult to make healthy choices and stay motivated. Stress and fatigue can affect a student's academic performance, which is one reason why leading an active lifestyle can be so beneficial. Regular physical activity can provide a number of health boosts, from stress relief to an improvement in daily living, said Lise Paxton, Can-Fit-Pro Certified Personal Trainer and Recreation and Wellness Coordinator at Canadore College.

At Canadore, there is a sport or activity to suit every fitness level and interest. The Athletics, Recreation and Wellness Department has a diverse athletic and fitness program that offers flexibility to students with hectic work and life schedules. Varsity and Club-level sports include Men's and Women's Volleyball, Men's and Women's Indoor Soccer, and Men's Ice Hockey and Basketball.

"It is extremely important for students to make fitness and physical activity a part of their daily college life. There are numerous benefits of regular exercise that include reduced stress, reduced risk of disease such as diabetes and heart disease, the promotion of weight loss, improved posture, increased energy, and improved mood, to name a few," said Paxton.

"Many students are away from home for the first time, away from regularly-cooked meals and out of their daily routines. It becomes very easy to skip meals or eat fast food, which can lead to a decrease in energy levels and the desire to exercise. By participating in regular physical activity, students not only feel better, but are more motivated to eat better. Exercise and proper nutrition play a key role in improving overall quality of life, and in a student's success."

The Athletics Department has a lot to offer students. The College is a member of the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association and Canadore's Panther teams compete across the province. Last year, the OCAA named Women's Volleyball coach Joey Rainer as West Region Coach of the Year. But, the department is about more than sports; there are also a number of recreation opportunities, and a recent increased focus on wellness activities.

"I am 40 years old, and the fitness classes and the facilities that are available to me allow me to work at getting back into shape and feeling better about myself. When I have time in between classes, it is very convenient to just go down to the gym or work out in the weight room. My energy levels have increased immensely and I find my focus on my studies improves every day. I have made new friends as well, and it is easy to stay motivated when it becomes a group effort," said Jeff Gilligan, a Second Career student in the Recreation Therapy program.

There are fitness facilities at all three North Bay campuses, free gym time, and several fitness classes to choose from, including yoga.

"I participate in cycle classes, Zumba, women's weights, and recently just joined kickboxing. I first joined the classes to meet new friends, but now it is a part of my lifestyle to stay active. Staying active really helps me to be healthy and manage my stress," said secondyear Business student Kaylee Kilbride. Linda Turcotte, Department Manager and Acting Director of Campus Life said, "Students can take part in many of these classes for free or at a minimal cost. We have also incorporated an Active Living Challenge to encourage students and staff alike to improve their fitness levels and reduce stress."

"Our Education Centre Campus offers a great opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts. There are a number of trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, and students can sign out snowshoes at no cost."

This year there are many new and exciting recreation activities available, including treetop trekking, winter getaway trips, and taking in an NHL game. Campus-wide activities are always well attended, such as Winterfest, where staff, faculty and students helped to gather over 1,000 pounds of food for the Canadore Food Bank, and Campus Life Day, where over $1,400 was raised towards scholarships and bursaries.

In the Fall 2010 semester, over 1,200 Canadore students participated in Athletics, Recreation and Wellness programs. "Our department is dedicated to improving student life overall. Our mandate is to ensure that all students have the opportunity to participate in our programming, by offering a wide range of activities that appeal to all interests and backgrounds," said Turcotte.