SU students struggle to maintain their preferred exercise habits
SU students struggle to maintain exercise habits
Orange Pulse data shows that winter temperatures decrease students’ exercise regimens due to accessibility, overcrowding and motivation.
For many students, fitness is an integral aspect of their daily routine. Whether they choose to exercise at Syracuse University’s Barnes Center or opt for a nearby, off-campus gym, these students aim to squeeze in a quick workout any way they can.
However, there are quite a few limitations regarding our respondents’ typical workout routines. Accessibility, busy class schedules and severe winter weather conditions are just a few of the reasons why a student may not make it to the gym.
We at Orange Pulse surveyed 50 SU students to learn about their exercise habits and the challenges they encounter in maintaining their fitness. More than half of the respondents were seniors, with the remaining participants divided among freshmen, sophomores, juniors and graduate students.
The existing fitness facilities at SU
Currently, at SU, there are a few fitness facilities open to all students, including the Barnes Center at The Arch, the Ernie Davis Fitness Center and the Women’s Building gym. While these are great options, not all students access each one regularly. About 58% of respondents shared that they frequently visit Barnes, 28% prefer Ernie and a whopping 0% exercise at the Women’s Building.
The Barnes Center may be most students’ top choice because of its endless amenities and vast amounts of equipment, while other options may be too small for the large number of students who work out daily.
College students have busy schedules, so the availability of workout classes and the hours of operation significantly impact how often students use each gym. To accommodate a range of schedules and fitness abilities, the Barnes Center provides longer hours and a vast selection of group exercise classes. Because of its flexibility, more students are drawn to its offers.
Students seeking greater variety or convenience in their training regimens may be put off by the Ernie Davis Hall and Women’s Building gyms’ more constrained hours and limited selection of scheduled fitness sessions. These variations in access and programming may also contribute to the reason that most students choose the Barnes Center.
Students’ views on accessibility
When asked about their opinions on the accessibility of fitness centers, students disclosed several obstacles that hinder their ability to stick to regular exercise schedules.
About 78% of respondents expressed concerns about severe weather, saying that winter and cooler temperatures made them less likely to exercise. The difficulty in staying active was also exacerbated by practical issues, including busy gyms, lack of transportation and class scheduling. According to some students, the inability to drive or the distance to training facilities made it difficult for them to visit gyms routinely.
Another important factor was motivation, as many students reported that they frequently avoided working out due to a lack of desire or enthusiasm. It’s interesting to note that amid severe weather, several students reported adjusting by moving to at-home workouts or using the facilities in their dorms.
While many people found that the winter weather made the problem worse, others, about 16%, stated that their exercise regimens had no change, indicating that flexibility and individual motivation may be able to counteract these outside influences.
Other fitness options
Many students resort to alternate workout regimens when on-campus gyms aren’t the best option. Roughly 20% of respondents said they would rather work out at home or in their dorms since these locations are more accessible than packed gyms. Yoga and cardio exercises are two examples of at-home workouts that provide flexibility around hectic class schedules.
Furthermore, 40% of respondents belong to an off-campus gym; popular selections include Orangetheory and Drip Fitness. These gyms are appealing alternatives because they frequently provide enough equipment or unique and exciting classes that are not commonly seen in SU gyms. However, as many people say that traveling to these places might be difficult during the winter, elements like bad weather and a lack of transportation may restrict the appeal.
Students are committed to staying fit, but consistency is challenging due to a number of factors, including harsh winter weather, crowded gyms, and scheduling issues. Because of its accessibility and range of facilities, the Barnes Center continues to be the most popular place for students to work out. However, in order to overcome obstacles, many students resort to other options, such as off-campus gyms or at-home workouts.
Future advancements in gym accessibility, expanded hours and a variety of workout options might help more students maintain their exercise routines throughout the year, despite practical or seasonal challenges, as SU continues to broaden its fitness offerings.