Guidance for gym-goers and newbies starting this semester
Gym Buddy program means success for students
Jeff Kobar
Staff Writer
Everyone needs a little push while pumping some iron, and it can be more fun to work out with a friend. Give some help and motivation by being a gym buddy.
Photo illustration: Albina Khouzina
How many hours of your day are spent binge watching shows on Netflix? Change up your routine this fall and fit in more work out time. The Students’ Associations of MRU’s Gym Buddy program can help you hit the gym more.
The program is a peer led program created for people who want to learn more, reach their goals and have a buddy at the gym. Each Gym Buddy volunteer is professionally trained. Trainers get paired up with people based on the participants needs. Having a gym buddy can help applicants stay committed, feel comfortable and get familiar with the equipment.
There’s always someone at the gym doing bar curls in the squat rack; Gym Buddy can put a stop to that.
According to Jon Heath-Smith, Student Outreach and Safewalk (SOS) coordinator, the only other similar program like this runs out of the University of Toronto. MRU’s program is run through the SOS Centre with administration.
“The program was developed to help students feel less intimidated and feel safer accessing recreational services. Both volunteers and participants work on health goals together,” said Heath-Smith.
Personal training programs can cost anywhere between $25 and $50 a session. The nice thing about this program is that it is completely free, for all MRU students who currently have gym memberships.
Volunteers are also welcome to sign up. SOS is currently training its volunteers this month and will open to clients in November. Volunteer application forms can be picked up and dropped off at SAMRU reception in Z222.
Turn Netflix off auto play this fall and give the Gym Buddy program a shot. Any questions involving the program can be answered by Jon Heath-Smith via email at sos@samru.ca.
