[ Golden Gater Online - August 28, 1997 ]
Keith B. Orchard
Guest Columnist
Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity. The relationship between the soundness of the body and the activities of the mind is subtle and complex. Much is not yet understood. But we do know what the Greeks knew: that intelligence and skill can only function at the peak of their capacity when the body is healthy and strong; that hardy spirits and tough minds usually inhabit sound gods.
--John F. Kennedy
I know how it is to be stressed out the first week of school. It's my least favorite week of the year. Not because we're starting another semester, but the fact that I'll be waiting in those lines.
You know what lines I'm talking about? Those bookstore lines. Those parking lines. Those food counter lines.
I've found one cure to let go of my anger and aggression from standing in these lines. Namely, exercise.
I've put together a list for those line-waiters, like me, who need to exercise a lot during the first week of school in order to maintain their sanity.
For a $10 locker fee, SF State's recreational facilities are available, which includes a towel service.
The recreation sport and hours are listed below.
Aerobics (Gym 124): Mon and Wed, from 3 to 4 p.m.; Tue and Thu, from 5 to 6 p.m.
Badminton (Gym 122): Thu from 1 to 3 p.m.; Fri from noon to 2 p.m.
Basketball (Gym 200): Mon through Fri, noon to 2 p.m.; Tue and Thu, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Racquetball: Mon through Fri, 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Pool: Mon through Fri, noon to 2 p.m., Mon through Thu 6 to 9 p.m.
Track and Field (Cox Stadium): Open Mon through Fri.
Volleyball (Gym 122): Mon and Wed, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.; Tue and Thu, noon to 1 p.m.
Weight Room (Gym 125): Mon, Wed and Fri, from 1 to 3 p.m.; Mon through Thu, 6 to 9 p.m.
Of course, there is always walking, biking, and rollerblading. In these cases, I suggest a place which has nothing to do with school, work, or family.
Try going around Lake Merced, down the Embarcadero, or just along the coastline. Because I live on the peninsula, I like to rollerblade along the bay from Coyote Point in Burlingame to under the San Mateo Bridge.
Whatever the reason, whichever the method you choose to exercise, do it until you're exhausted. Because after all, you'll be stuck in those same lines tomorrow, wishing you were someplace else.
[ Golden Gater - August 28, 1997 ]