(December 17, 2014)

Fitness Center to start new year off strong

SHREVEPORT, LA — Big things are on the horizon for recreational activities and wellness at Centenary College. Last week the Fitness Center became an institutional member of NIRSA (National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association) and that's just the beginning.

"Being a member of NIRSA gives us more validity and provides us with great resources to grow our recreational programs for our students," said Associate Director of Wellness James Dicken. "Our campus community will benefit by having more opportunities to participate in recreational activities both locally and on a regional level."

NIRSA is the leading resource for professional and student development, education, and research in collegiate recreational sports. Headquartered in Corvallis, Oregon, NIRSA now includes nearly 4,000 highly trained professional, student, and associate members throughout the United States, Canada, and other countries. Serving an estimated 5.5 million students who regularly participate in campus recreational sports programs, NIRSA members are actively engaged in many areas of campus life: student leadership, development, and personnel management; wellness and fitness programs; intramural sports; sport clubs; recreation facility operations; outdoor recreation; informal recreation; and aquatic programs.

In addition to the exciting new membership, the Fitness Center is gearing up for 2015 by expanding recreational offerings to the Centenary and Shreveport-Bossier communities:

January Specials — New members can kickstart their new-year's resolution with a waived sign-up fee for the entire month of January. Current and new members can also enjoy 3 one-hour personal training sessions for $99 (a $20 discount). Member appreciation week will be the last week of January and boasts free giveaways, free guest passes, and a few other surprises.

Wellness Programming — Be on the lookout for monthly programming next semester to promote wellness in an effort to make the Fitness Center not only a hub for fitness but for healthy well-being. This initiative will kick off with a 10,000 step-a-day challenge in January.

Dance Clinics — Starting at $65, children ages 10-15 and adults can tap, plié, pas de bourrée, and prep for danceline with a plethora of class offerings under the direction of a professional dancer.

Swim Lessons — In March, private swim lessons taught by Assistant Swimming Coach Kyle Joplin will be available for children and adults starting at $40.

Personal Training — The FIT will continue to offer the expertise of a professional personal trainer for the low price of $40/hour with an additional $20/person for additional participants in the session. Contact the Fitness Center for more information.

Triathlon Training — Triathalon training is in the works for March. Swim, bike, and run your way to fitness with seasoned veterans of the triathalon world.

Rock Wall — The Centenary Rock Wall will be available for groups to rent beginning in February with a rental fee of $100/hour. It will be a great way for off-campus groups to enjoy team building exercises and experience the beauty of Centenary.

For more information about these programs or offerings, contact the Fitness Center at 318.869.5060 or visit the website at centenary.edu/life/recreation.