There's still time to visit the L.A. County Fair

There's still time to visit the L.A. County Fair

Racquetball as a fun fitness regimine

This week I have decided to take advantage of the California State University, Northridge (CSUN) Student Recreation Center's (SRC) open recreation racquetball court. I wanted to get in there before summer begins because at the end of this semester I will not be enrolled in classes and will lose the ability to utilize the gym on campus.

Keep in mind that unless you are enrolled in at least one unit over the summer you cannot use the SRC without having to buy a summer membership. The cost for a student membership over the summer (for a student not enrolled in any courses) is $78. For all other rates please click here.

On Thursday my friend and I will check out the racquetball court at the SRC and take a swing at playing the game. Now, neither of us has ever played before so it is a good idea if you are also a beginner to watch a tutorial on how to play.

The SRC makes it easy for those who want to try out the sport. Everything is available at the front desk of the SRC for check-out, so you do not need to come prepared with any equipment of your own.

As long as the room is available, once you have all of the proper equipment you can use the court for play. The court is located on the second floor of the SRC and is surrounded by three walls for play and one wall of glass for those who would like to watch. If you have an audience they can sit outside of the court on the benches and enjoy the game. Just make sure they pick up all of their belongings after!

If there are others occupying the room when you get to the court, do not be discouraged. The SRC has a policy of one game up to 10 points if others are waiting to utilize the space for play.

Make sure you check out all of the features the SRC offers before time is too late and you have to give in to paying those membership fees!

Matador Nights will be at California State University, Northridge once again

On Friday, April 27, California State University, Northridge (CSUN) will once again be hosting the Matador Nights from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the University Student Union (USU). Admission is free to students who want to come and partake in the night of Alice in Wonderland themed entertainment.

"Matador Nights is a large scale, late night event for CSUN students, consisting of carnival rides, attractions, games, activities, free food and live entertainment," Shanell Tyus, events manager for the USU, said in an e-mail.

This year, AMP Radio 97.1 FM and D.J. Kid Capri will be mixing beats all night long for the Matador Nights attendees to enjoy.

Activities will include cosmic flamingo golf, zip lining, karaoke, a casino, a tea party and rides all with the theme of Alice in Wonderland. If you feel yourself getting tired during these activities in the late night, stop by the oxygen bar that will be there for a burst of fresh air.

Although the CSUN Student Recreation Center (SRC) will not be utilized for any of the event activities, the facility will have shortened hours that day so USU employees and volunteers can set-up. The SRC will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Let's get this event trending so more of the CSUN community can come out and enjoy this free event. Use #MatadorNights on Twitter to get fellow CSUN friends in the know.

Tickets are available for non-CSUN community members as well and can be purchased prior to the event. For more information on Matador Nights visit the USU's webpage.    

Walk this way!

Beautiful yellow flowers along Agoura Road in Agoura Hills.

City of Agoura Hills and the wonderful sidewalks along Agoura Road.

View of mountains from Agoura Road in Agoura Hills.

So for this blog on health and fitness I wanted to switch things up a little bit and talk about one of my favorite ways to exercise, walking!

Every week my roommate and I venture out into our neighborhood and walk at least two miles after we get home from work. Today I was on my own and decided to do the walking route solo. My destination, the Agoura Hills Public Library. Unfortunately it was closed and found myself extending my walk (by about two more miles) to the Westlake Village Public Library. This turned out to be a way to burn even more calories and get some reading material for the week.

I find that it has been really helpful to have a walking destination and the library is a wonderful incentive since I have to return the books I've checked out anyway. It is a sort of reminder each week to walk and continue reading, two things I find very important for a healthy body and mind.  

Not only does walking burn calories, but you get to exercise outside. Today posed as the perfect walking weather as well. Check out just how many calories you burn walking per one mile based on your body weight.

I think it is especially important for those of us who are full-time employees and students, spending almost all of the day indoors, to incorporate some outdoor activity into a fitness regimen. Being outside just brings an entirely different experience to working out. Just in my two-hour walk today, I came across budding flowers, squirrels, bees (could have done without those) and gorgeous butterflies (which I absolutely love).

Try and find a friend to be your walking buddy. Not only does picking a weekly destination make walking more on your to-do list, but finding a friend who will encourage you to keep it up as well. 

Check out this site for all things walking to enhance your experience and get the most burn for your walk!  Happy walking! 

Climb your way to fitness success

Looking for a new fitness routine that uses your entire body? How about a workout that also incorporates your mind? Well, indoor rock climbing poses as a wonderful way to get your outer body and inner mind into shape.

Luckily, students at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) now have a rock climbing experience right under their nose. An indoor rock climbing wall was incorporated in the building of the new Student Recreation Center (SRC) at the San Fernando Valley campus.

Located at the entrance of the facility is the three-story high rock climbing wall. At 44 feet one is able to climb with all of the equipment, and even shoes, available for checkout by the SRC. So you can just come to the gym if you are a registered member and start climbing!

However, if a climbing staff member is not present at the desired time of climb then you must have completed the climbing wall safety orientation in order to scale solo. There SRC has a complete set of guidelines for using the wall.

Belaying refers to using ropes and harnesses, but you don’t have to be completely knowledgeable of the terms and best climbing moves in order to start your ascend. The staff at the SRC is equipped to train even those who have never used the ropes before or the wall. Beginners are definitely welcome. 

Check out essential tips for before, after and during rock climbing. It is important to take care of your body even after your workout has ended. Make sure you let your body have some rest after using a rock climbing wall and replenish yourself with plenty of water and complex carbohydrates.   

Spring has sprung and it’s time to get your fitness on

This spring, take it upon yourself to heighten your workout routine and get your body summer-ready.

With all of the technology that is so easily available to us Americans we should have no excuse for getting behind on maintaining our body and health. There are a ton of apps out there for your smart phone where you can instantly get tips on health and fitness. Click here for some new fitness apps for your smart phone.

Spring time is the best time to amplify your fitness routine. You can include the outdoors or even spring clean your house to get in a good workout. I know it sounds surprising, but you can burn a great deal of calories just cleaning house! Scrubbing the floor on your hands and knees burns 400 calories an hour, not to mention you get quite an arm workout. If you're windows are dirty get out that rag and start cleaning. After an hour of window washing you will have burned 250 calories and be able to see the clear skies of springtime.  

You should also set aside some time to completely revamp your kitchen cabinet. Get rid of all those leftover goodies (but high in calorie) holiday and Valentine’s Day candies. Start fresh and hit up a local farmer’s market to stock up on fresh fruits and veggies. The time is now when tomatoes, strawberries and avocados are in season so prepare your pantry with some good fats for the springtime.

Try and take some time out of your day to search the Web for meals that include those fresh fruits and vegetables. It makes a world of difference to cook with fresh produce to enhance your health. I know it will take some time out of your busy schedule, but cooking at home can really be the cure to those fast food and fatty meal cravings.  

Check out Shape magazine’s article for 20 tips geared towards vamping up your health and fitness routine this spring season.

University fitness center reaching two month anniversary, here’s the progress

Poolside at CSUN SRC

Since opening on Jan. 26, the Student Recreation Center (SRC) at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) has continued to gain attention. Students have been transforming their workout by adding additional days to their routines and venturing into group exercise classes on site.

CSUN student, Christina Azouz, says she no longer works out on her treadmill at home and takes full advantage of the convenient campus fitness center.  

“I like the variety of options that are available, be it classes or machines. There are a lot of different things to do,” says Azouz.   

Prior to the opening Azouz would typically workout twice a week and stay confined to her treadmill at home. Now she has expanded her routine to three times and week, including group exercise classes offered at the SRC as well as trying a multitude of new cardio machines. 

Everything is brand new at the SRC. Students love the fact that the facility really contours to how they want to work out.

If cardio machines are not your thing, you have a variety of other physically challenging ways to accomplish a good day’s exercise. Try the indoor rock climbing wall or sign up for an intramural sport with your fellow CSUN students. 

Check out the SRC's webpage for class schedules, a list of intramural sports options, pool hours and much more.

Speaking of pool hours, summer is upon us shortly and the SRC offers a pool area with a distant beachside feel. Bask in the sun, grab a raft for floating or get your exercise accomplished by swimming some laps. This summer the pool will be quite the spot for cooling down and it’s all free for those who register for the SRC!

Outdoor activities for those seeking to venture out of the San Fernando Valley

Ever wanted to step outside of the hustle and bustle of the city life or experience exercise outside of an indoor gym? Well for those who are students at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), you now have the opportunity to take advantage of Los Angeles’ surrounding natural beauty by signing up for Outdoor Adventures at the new Student Recreation Center (SRC).
Outdoor Adventures is the newest program offered by Associated Students Recreation. This program allows students to sign up for outdoor activities near the pacific coastline, national forests, foothills and even the desert.

Activities include: whale watching, camping in Joshua Tree, rock climbing, night hiking, backpacking in Santa Barbara, exploring the Grand Canyon, whitewater rafting, kayaking and many more outdoor adventures. 

Each exploration varies in price based on what is needed. The prices range from $20 to $175 for students and non-student prices are about $25 more per activity. Those who participate in one of the outings with learn how explore nature safely, as well as, understand the local natural surroundings. 

Exercise anywhere is going to boost your health positively, however sometimes you just want to get out and walk/run somewhere else besides in place on a treadmill. Hiking is one of the easiest ways to get your body moving while also becoming part of the natural habitats that are so close to the busy streets of the Valley. Check out the most amazing local hiking trails near the San Fernando Valley.

Outdoor Adventures is a convenient way for students to partake in a nature inspired hike, trip or adventure with the help of those who will instruct on safety and the give the how-to on such an activity. 

Click here for a complete list of prices and upcoming activities offered by Outdoor Adventures at the CSUN SRC.   

Healthy body image highlighted at university campus this week

California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is celebrating every body   Feb. 27 to March 2 during National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. The University Counseling Services at CSUN sponsor the group, Joint Advocates on Disordered Eating (JADE), consisting of a group of students serving as campus peer educators. The students are committed to providing comfort and knowledge to those dealing with an eating disorder or to be able to support a loved one who suffers.

This week JADE presents "Celebrate Every BODY" and is offering an activity each day that brings awareness to having a healthy body image and nutrition habits. Monday kicked off the activities with “Mirrorless Monday” where mirrors throughout campus were covered to promote finding inner beauty. On Tuesday the Matador Walk was filled with booths to raise awareness. Plus size model and previous winner of America's Next Top Model, Whitney Thompson, visited campus to share her story of maintaining self-esteem and confidence in a size 0 modeling world. Yoga was the highlight for Thursday, offering a free course and a lecture on how the stretches can make one feel even more beautiful. To end the week on Friday, JADE is asking individuals to take the day to not talk or think negatively about his or her body weight. Click here for more details about the activities sponsored by JADE.

According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), as many as 10 million females and one million males are fighting a life and death battle with an eating disorder. Most individuals suffering find it most difficult to share their struggle. NEDA provides a website full of information as well a phone number to call for help. For full access to the NEDA website.   

If you are struggling with your own body image, as many Americans do, take the time to fill out a self-assessment survey that is completely anonymous. Access the survey here and use keyword "JADE"

Richard Simmons' Lecturecise a Success



Isaad with Simmons pre-Lecturecise at SRC

Last Wednesday the Student Recreation Center (SRC) at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) hosted the National Recreational Sports and Fitness Day to promote a healthy lifestyle for students on campus. Fitness icon Richard Simmons was invited to be a part of the day and offered up some of his signature fat burning dance moves for the CSUN community to groove to.

Simmons was the finale to the day packed with outdoor activities like tether ball, hula hooping, corn hole and other healthy ways to have fun while incorporating exercise. There were also on-site nutritionists and free Subway sandwiches that allowed students to eat right and learn about healthy eating habits to continue to do so.   

As evening approached, students began to line up outside the SRC Standing Room to catch a glimpse of Simmons prepping for his Lecturecise. The fitness guru was in high spirits, adorned with black and white angel wings, shredded leggings and a sequined tank top. Students came fully prepared with sweat bands (handed out when given a wrist band to enter the Lecturecise), neon workout clothing, sunglasses and other attire reminiscent of the ‘80s. 

Simmons fully excited the awaiting crowd when he asked them to come inside for a personal picture with him. Students came rushing at the invite and were elated when the fitness icon took on hilarious poses with his fans.

“I appreciated the he approached us while we were waiting in line so that we could take a picture,” said CSUN student Virginia Isaad about Simmons' surprise invitation to take pictures before the event (pictured below). 

Simmons worked out the crowd when they were introduced to his signature Slimmons Studio inspired dance exercise. Click here to read more about Slimmons Studio in Beverly Hills.  

“It was unforgettable. I did not expect to sweat as much as I did,” said Isaad in response to how she felt about her experience at the Lecturecise. 

The Lecturecise came to a close with a bit of personal information about Simmons. He concluded his fat burning routine with a brief recount of his own struggles with maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The mission was completed by the SRC in promoting healthy lifestyles with fun, fitness, and of course, Simmons’ signature dance moves.    



‘80s flashback with health, fitness, fun and Richard Simmons

National Recreational Sports and Fitness Day is this Wednesday, February 22. California State University, Northridge is hosting an ‘80s inspired day of activities for students, staff and faculty to partake in, as well as a "Lecturecise" with fitness guru Richard Simmons at the new Student Recreation Center (SRC).

"We knew wellness would be a goal" of the University Student Union's (USU) events team when planning activities around the SRC, said Shanell Tyus, USU events manager. Each activity for the day and Simmons' infusion of lecture and exercise has been carefully thought out by Tyus and her team. 

"If we're bringing in Richard Simmons why don't we bring it back to the 80's," said Tyus in response to how the activities reflect a 1980’s theme and are reminiscent of side pony tails, sweat bands, and leg warmers. 

Those wishing to attend the event should be prepared for a full immersion into the 80's era and come dressed in their greatest fitness attire reflecting the genre. There will be a contest for the best outfit and the winner will be awarded with five free personal training sessions at the SRC.

Other activities include hop scotch, hula hoop, potato sack races, tether ball, and other outdoor activities for individuals to compete in starting at 11 a.m. at the Plaza del Sol, USU and the OST Lawn. Make sure you pick up a "report card" when you get there because if you receive at least two "grades" from participating in an activity, then you are eligible for a free Subway sandwich.

If you are looking to attend Simmons' "Lecturecise" make sure you head to the SRC at 3 p.m. that day to get a wristband for the 6 p.m . start time. The class will be held in the SRC Standing Room that can hold around 450 individuals, so make sure you are one of them if you are interested in hearing the fitness icon's story, as well as getting a workout. A meet-and-greet will directly follow from 7 to 8 p.m. and pictures are welcome.

The National Recreational Sports and Fitness Day is something that engages the campus community in fun, healthy activity, along with bringing awareness to the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. When asked about having the SRC host the event in the future, Tyus responded with, "Absolutely, this is one of those days we hope to continue to have on the calendar." Click here for more information.