Kevin D. Lane
\nIn Motion Staff Writer<\/p>\n
At first glance the L. Gale Lemerand Aquatic & Fitness Center appears no different than any other gym but this facility offers much more.<\/p>\n
The Lemerand Center is not only a workout facility, but also provides a full range of health and wellness efforts to Daytona State students, faculty and the community as a whole.<\/p>\n
The driving force behind the preventive health and wellness efforts at the center is Fitness Center Coordinator Nancy Homan, RN. Homan spent much of her nursing career in cardiac medicine and cardiac rehabilitation. It is from these years of experience that she has come to strongly believe in preventive heath efforts.<\/p>\n
At the center, there are monthly one-day preventive screening events open to the community as well as DSC students and employees. October hosts the annual Daytona campus Employee Health Fair, headed by the Fitness Center staff with representation from health care agencies throughout Volusia County. Among those services will be blood testing for employees and free skin cancer screenings for all in attendance.<\/p>\n
Another of the regular events offered through the Fitness Center are \u201cLunch and Learn\u201d workshops offered on stress, financial planning and healthy eating.<\/p>\n
Nutritional education programs are offered by Mary Olshefsky, the licensed dietitian on staff who also teaches sports and general nutrition programs. Olshevsky works closely with both college staff and student athletes in addition to her own students.<\/p>\n
Homan, along with the center\u2019s personal trainer, Jon Tosi, worked together to secure a health education grant and through their efforts, Daytona State has benefited from that funding for the past four years.<\/p>\n
It is also through their leadership, in conjunction with campus clubs and student group efforts, that all DSC campuses are now tobacco free. Homan herself is adamant advocate for quitting smoking.<\/p>\n
\u201cSmoking is more addictive than heroin.\u201d Homan said.
\nHoman and Tosi are instructors for the \u201cQuit Smoking Now\u201d and \u201cTools to Quit\u201d classes, which provide four weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy.<\/p>\n
The fitness and aquatic facilities at the center are also impressive. The aquatic center provides a 25-yard competition style indoor pool, fully climate controlled for comfort in or out or the water. Only the pool facility, however, is open to the general public. Swimming lessons are offered year around for ages 18 months to adults. Water aerobics classes are also provided throughout the year. Pool fees are $5 daily, $35 for the month or four months at $100 and one year access is $275.<\/p>\n
The 5,000-square foot fitness room offers the usual array of equipment including a 19-piece resistance training circuit, 3.2 tons of free weights and a 31-piece aerobic area with everything from stair climbers and treadmills to stationary bikes. Exercise equipment for the physically challenged is also available.<\/p>\n
The Lemerand Fitness Center is home to the highly competitive Lady Falcons volleyball team, along with the highly regarded men\u2019s and women\u2019s basketball teams. The court is available to students for open play during the day when teams are not practicing.<\/p>\n
A full staff of professionals includes personal trainers, American Red Cross certified life guards and knowledgeable student staff members who are available to answer any questions members may have.<\/p>\n
For $25 Daytona State members have the services of two Aerobic and Fitness Association of America certified personal trainers. Personal training sessions begin with an introductory meeting and a brief \u201cmovement screening\u201d to address any past or present health issues. This is to determine the client\u2019s goals, limitations and best training options.<\/p>\n
Group exercise sessions are also ongoing regularly at the fitness center. Current classes are Sculpt and Tone, Pilates, Zumba Dance and Yoga, with the latest addition to the group exercise schedule being Restorative Relaxation. All the classes run six sessions and cost $25, except for Sculpt and Tone which is 12 sessions and $30.<\/p>\n
Fitness center memberships are only available to students, alumni or faculty members. As part of the membership, a fitness assessment is performed within the first 30 days to assure health safety. Center memberships start at $35 monthly, $45 for 4 months and $100 yearly for individuals. Dual and family memberships are available and cost $100 monthly and $125 on the 4-month, or $230 and $315 for the year.<\/p>\n
Information on exercise classes can be obtained by calling 386-506-3830. Anyone who wants membership information can call 386-506-4386. You can also sign up at the Aquatic Center or visit the Facebook page and web site though Daytonastate.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Kevin D. Lane In Motion Staff Writer At first glance the L. Gale Lemerand Aquatic & Fitness Center appears no different than any other gym but this facility offers much more. The Lemerand Center is not only a workout facility, but also provides a full range of health and wellness Continue reading Fitness Center hub for swim, burn, learn<\/span>