The Triangle

Issue date: 3/7/08 Section: Health & Fitness

Media Credit: Seeni Komolafe-The Triangle According to a study done by the NIRSA, the top two benefits of exercise are improving emotional well-being and reducing stress.

The benefits of exercise for students with too much stress are numerous.

A study done by the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association listed the top two benefits of exercise as improving emotional well-being as well as reducing stress.

John Watson, Director of Alcohol, Other Drug and Health Education and Director of Counseling encouraged students to exercise to release their frustration and get some activity.

"Exercise can also be a group activity-take a yoga class, an aerobics class, work out with a partner. There's a social aspect to exercise as well, which ties into trying to find a balance between having some social activities," Watson said.

According to Associate Director of Athletics Daniel Simmons, exercise is the best thing students can do when facing stress.

"There's no question about it, you feel better when you work out and play sports. There's definitely a biological effect on your body," Simmons said.

Simmons said that students can often feel the effects exercise has on their emotional state. On an evaluation given to students working out in the DAC, one of the questions asked whether or not students had learned to release their frustration and reduce stress through exercise.

"I haven't had a single no," Amy Wallace, program coordinator for group exercise, said.

In student surveys, Simmons said that many students commented that they felt "healthier, more focused in class, and better emotionally."

Simmons commented that the purpose of the DAC as a whole is to provide an outlet for students to relieve their stress.

"That's why we're in this business, to relieve stress through exercise," Simmons said.

Wallace added that the DAC tried to cater to the demanding schedules of the student population by scheduling workout classes throughout the day.

"The biggest challenge that faces Drexel students is the dynamics of the schedule-there are always groups in class at different times. It's tough at times," Simmons said.

The DAC offers a variety of classes throughout the day during all terms. The schedule will change for the spring term.

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