While it is true that access to TCC fitness centers is about to be reduced, the equal and opposite reaction does not have to be an automatic bulge around your midriff. There are things we can all do to stay physically fit, despite the seemingly ever present temptation of delightful tasty goodies.
Since I have no intention of depriving myself, I have a word that I plan to have dancing in my head repeatedly: Moderation…moderation… moderation…over and over and over, again and again and again. I will partake, but I will refrain from eating an entire, pie, cake or pan of anything all at once. Occasionally, I’ll add the refrain of a chant of TIMING, TIMING. TIMING. That will be my reminder that I can eat just about whatever I want, but I just need to do it early rather than late in the day, say just before laying down at night.
I have also heard that drinking plenty of water and doing small things to get the body moving can be helpful. For instance, I could hide the remote and get up to change the channel or occasionally pump my arms as I walk to the kitchen for my next treat.
On a more serious note, when you do work out you can burn more calories by spicing up whatever you are doing with intensity at regular intervals. So when you do take that walk, break it up every two to five minutes by walking faster, trotting or sprinting.
With a little thought and effort, we can all fight off those pesky extra pounds and rolls until we can hit those fitness machines again. The list below will let you know when you can get back into TCC fitness centers.
Until then, moderation, moderation…TIMING, TIMING…moderation, moderation, moderation…
Fitness Center Hours
Northeast Campus
The fitness center closes to students Thursday, Dec. 15, at 10 p.m. and reopens Tuesday, Jan. 17, at 8 a.m. Beginning Jan. 3, the Northeast Campus fitness center hours for faculty and staff only are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Faculty and staff will to need enter the Health and Physical Education (HPE) building through the front door located on the north side of the building, facing Parking Lot 10. Only the far right door will be unlocked. Students may return to work out when regular hours resume Tuesday, Jan. 17. Hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Northwest Campus
Students enrolled in the WinterMester may use the fitness center the weeks of Dec. 16-23 and Jan. 2-6, from 8 to 11:45 a.m. Access for faculty and staff is available Jan. 2-6 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Jan. 9-13 from 6:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students may return to the fitness center Tuesday, Jan. 17, when the spring semester starts and the following regular hours resume: Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
South Campus
The fitness center and pool will reopen when classes resume Tuesday, Jan. 17. Fitness center hours are Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pool hours are Monday through Thursday 2 to 6 p.m. and Friday 12:30 to 3 p.m.
Southeast Campus
Faculty, staff and WinterMester and spring students only may use the fitness center Dec. 16, 19-23 and Jan. 2-6, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Beginning Jan. 9, hours for faculty, staff and spring semester students will be Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Regular hours resume Tuesday Jan. 17. They are Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Trinity River Campus
The break schedule for Trinity River Campus runs Jan. 2-13. Hours will be Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Regular hours resume Tuesday, Jan. 17. They are Monday through Thursday 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to noon and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m. Hours are subject to change depending on enrollment for weekend classes.