In light of a recent wave of physical fitness and a desire to boast a fit work force, the Center for Physical Activity and Health is offering a faculty and staff exercise program.

The program, costing $35 a semester, is a walking and weight training regimen for beginners. It also includes a variety of testing, including body fat, submaximal exercise and flexibility testing.

According to Ann Swartz of the department of exercise science and sports management, the center does not have any exercise equipment like treadmills or stationary bikes.

We do all our walking outside on the track and around campus, Swartz said. The weight (training) is done with hand weights.

The center also offers testing to individuals not associated with the university. The staff performs maximal exercise, lactate threshold and body fat tests.

Swartz said the program has an all-around effect.

Being physically active can benefit a person in many ways: mentally, physically and emotionally, Swartz said.

It can help lower blood pressure, improve blood cholesterol levels, aid in controlling blood sugar levels and body weight, as well as decreasing the risk of heart disease and some cancers, to name a few benefits.

It also helps us deal with stress and some emotional situations.

The workout facility, located in room 136B of the HPER building, is of a small scale.

The program is very small, Swartz said. But we do pride ourselves on the personal attention we give to our members.

The staff is comprised of graduate students in the exercise science department and is directed by Dixie Thompson.

The center is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., and on Tuesday and Thursday from 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.