Exercise comes in all shapes, sizes
The Student Recreation Center is not solely for Eastern students. Many senior citizens are spending time at the Rec in effort to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Alan Baharlou is a 73 years old resident of Charleston.
He is also a retired Eastern professor who chaired the geology department for 25 years.
Baharlou may be a senior citizen, but he does not let his age slow him down. He spends two hours a day Monday through Friday working out at the Rec with an intensive regiment.
He runs the track, lifts free weights and works out on several different machines.
On the weekends Alan spends his mornings biking the trail between Charleston and Mattoon, which is a 23-mile round trip.
“Exercise is the most important element to success,” Baharlou said. “It is a service to the body and the mind.”
Aside from exercising, Baharlou does many other activities to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
He said he eats healthy and is heavily involved with the university.
“I love coming to the Rec,” Baharlou said. “It’s a great atmosphere, and I always enjoy seeing teachers and students I know.
“I have noticed a very positive health impact from coming to the Rec. “I’m 73 years old and I feel great.”
Judy James and Evelyn Goodrick, both Charleston residents and both in their early 70s, also spend a significant time at the Rec. James and Goodrick are retired genetic biology and journalism Eastern professors, respectively.
Goodrick comes to the Rec four to five times a week and James tries to come at least twice a week. Their exercise regiment includes power walking on the track, aerobics and light exercise machine lifting.
When not at the gym, both ladies eat healthy foods to stay in excellent physical condition.
“I think coming to the Rec makes a positive difference towards my health, but results are gradual it is not something that happens over night.” Goodrick said.
James said exercising helps her mood.
“The best part about coming to the Rec is feeling good about myself after I leave.” James said.
The Rec is free for all Eastern students. For those who are not students, they may purchase a semester pass for $50.
The semester pass is valid between 5a.m. and 3p.m. everyday.
Dave Parks can be reached at 581-7942
Exercise comes in all shapes, sizes
Bob Plummer, a BSW at EIU exercises on Monday afternoon at the Student Recreation Center. (Samantha Bilharz/The Daily Eastern News)
