Each New Year, people around the country make resolutions to lose weight, get fit and become healthier.  Students at Elon University are no different.  The result?  Gym and fitness center traffic increases dramatically after students return to campus for winter term.

I spoke to Ross Venturi, campus recreation team leader for fitness, who said choosing a time of day to work out during winter term is key.  According to Venturi, the fitness center is busiest from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. and from 4:30 until 7:00 p.m.

Peter Tulchinsky, director of campus recreation, agrees and said since there are only two class periods during winter term (8:30 – 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.), there are two peak time periods when students and faculty will work out at the fitness center.

If your New Year's resolution is to shed those holiday pounds, it may be wise to hit the gym...just make sure its at a time when you'll be able to use the machines and equipment.

Tulchinsky said during winter term, students may notice the greatest influx in the number of students using cardio machines.  Since the weather is no longer warmer, many students choose to do their cardio inside where its warm.

According to Venturi, the gym typically stays crowded throughout February and March.  Look out for this week's edition of the Pendulum to read up on more information about the fitness center and New Year's resolutions to get fit.

Becca Tynes, Senior Reporter