The Take Ten program, which originated on campus this summer and is currently going on, is one of the NSU Wellness Committee’s latest projects.
The Take Ten program is a fitness program that determines one’s current fitness level. However, this program goes beyond exploring how fit the participant is.
After 10 fitness tests are given, the program’s staff will design a fitness program to fit each partaker’s individual needs. This program will be based on the equipment available. Level of progress will be chartered over a period of time.
In addition, there will be educational workshops offered. Classes will include: 10 Benefits to Exercise, 10 Reasons Muscles Matter, 10 Muscle Groups, 10 Repetitions, 10 Ways to Protect Your Heart, 10 Reasons Why Warming Up & Stretching are Important, 10 Diet, Fitness, and Exercise Myths, 10 a Day-5 Fruits + 5 Vegetables = Good Health and the 10-Minute Rule of Activity.
“When you go to the doctor, he or she says to eat right and exercise. How do we do that?” asked Kim Brannagan, director of health services and personal trainer.
Brannagan further explained that many people engage in either cardiovascular or weight training. However, it is more beneficial to follow a plan that incorporates flexibility exercises, as well as weight training and cardiovascular activities. The person who does all three will be a healthier, more well-rounded person.
Exercises will include the “Sit and Reach” exercise for flexibility. A three-minute step test will help to check the level of aerobic fitness. In addition, there will be a push-up test to check muscular endurance. These are only several of the tests, as seven more will be conducted.
The number ten is used as a base number for several reasons. Ten is a good number of reps for weight training and one should stretch between 6-10 seconds. Tests have shown that ten minutes of accumulated activity gives almost the same benefit of thirty minutes straight.
“Not everyone has thirty minutes straight to perform an activity. The Wellness Committee wants to teach everyone how they can use time more efficiently. We teach how ten minutes of a lunch break or in between classes can be turned into something more productive,” Brannagan said.
The tests will not only serve as a learning experience for each individual who goes through the process, but to everyone. There is research being conducted. There are questions that will be answered regarding people’s attitude about exercise, their belief in reaching their goals and other such questions.
There is also an ongoing support group. The NSU Wellness Committee is working hard to make the testing available regularly.