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Campus Sport

Posted on February 21, 2010 by Editor

With New Year’s resolutions to ‘get fit’ fast fading we thought you may need a little nudge in the right direction! Sports reporter Fabio De Dominicis was put through the paces of how to get a good workout at the Rhodes Health Suite…

Want to build muscle? Want to look slim and sexy? Or do you just want to keep fit, while socialising and meeting new people? Well then the Rhodes Health Suite is the place to be!

Situated just behind King’s Field and next to the university’s tennis courts, the Rhodes Health Suite has something for everyone, boasting a weight and cardio section, aerobic and spinning classes as well as a Personal Training Program.

Gym members are able to train at their own leisure, with numerous classes available at differing times each day of the week, while the weights section is open from 5am to 10am, and 12pm to 9pm on weekdays, and 2pm to 5pm on weekends.

To get you started, personal trainer Pete Moores-Pitt demonstrates 5 different work-out moves that both guys and girls can try out:

Barbell Squat:

For this exercise, place the barbell on your shoulder, push your traps back while keeping your back straight. Then squat down until your quads are horizontal to the floor, before slowly returning to the starting position.

This work-out will target your lower back, quads as well as your hamstrings.

Dumbbell Lunges:

Holding a dumbbell in each hand, place one leg forward, bending your trailing leg in the same motion. Keep your back straight, and ensure that your front knee does not extend past your front foot. Alternate between left and right foot.

This exercise will strengthen your core, quads and hamstrings.

Barbell Bench Press:
While in a horizontal position, hold the barbell just outside shoulder width apart above your chest. Then lower the barbell to roughly a fist distance above your chest, before slowly pushing it back up again.

This will work your major and minor pectorals, as well as your triceps.

Stability Ball Crunches:

For this workout, sit on a stability ball with your feet against the wall for balance. Lower your back until it is parallel to the floor, and then gradually come back up again. This will build your core and abdominal muscles, which are constantly engaged throughout the exercise.

Power Clean and Press

Place your legs just outside shoulder width apart, with your hands in an overhand grip on the bar. Starting with the bar at hip-height, fling the barbell up to shoulder height, and then raise it up over your head, before returning to shoulder height, and then back down to the starting position. You should feel a burning sensation in your shoulders and traps.

So there you have it, a full body workout that will have those muscles pumping in no time!

Sign up for the Health Suite will take place on Tuesday, 23 February at the Health Suite itself. For students wanting personal training, you can email the PT Manager at ruhspt@gmail.com.