Vanessa Arriola
College students nowadays have enough on their plates with school and work let alone making time to add a little exercise in their daily schedule. Many go to school full-time and work a part-time jobs or vise versa. So how is it that they can find the time to exercise? Steve Ruys, fitness coordinator at Pierce said that students do make the time to exercise. “In our area of Southern California, vanity is a major part. So yes they do make the time,” said Ruys. Erica Sandoval, who is a liberal studies student and works a part-time job, said she is always exercising. “I go to the gym after my last class, so I get there at 11:30 p.m. and work out for one hour,” said Sandoval. “I also dance and play soccer on the weekends.” According to The Clinic: Exercise Web site, doing exercises is the greatest thing you can do for yourself in college. Exercising increases one’s metabolism, therefore resulting in a sense of well-being and enthusiasm. Sheeba Saed, a 24-year old liberal studies student, said she tries to make it to the gym after she’s done working. “I like to work out but sometimes I’m too tired from school and work,” Saed said. The Web site also states that exercising offers a social setting for college students. But college students aren’t the only ones having trouble maintaining a physical routine. Marilu Sarmiento, a former Pierce student, who works two part-time jobs and said she still tries to make time to go jogging around the park. “I don’t have a gym membership so I make the best of it and go running around the park next to my house.” Sarmiento said. Whether or not college students find the time to exercise, all three women felt that it is important to go out and get physical. Ruys said it is absolutely important for students to exercise. “So many studies have shown the link between exercise and the brain,” said Ruys. “Exercise helps promote a healthy body.” “Heck yes it’s important,” Sandoval said. “Not only does it keep you healthy but it gives you endorphins and endorphins make you happy. Happy people don’t kill their husbands.” (Quoting Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde). For those who feel there isn’t enough time, there is a fitness center located here at Pierce. It caters primarily to Pierce students and offers multiple programs. So stop making excuses and go out and exercise your body as well as your mind.