Exercise offers plethora of heart-healthy benefits

People who work out and exercise gain several benefits from their habits, according to Jenny Hannah, instructor in the health and human performance department. "Every little bit of exercise counts," Hannah said. "It's recommended that you do some strength training and core exercises twice a week."

Hannah said more people are working out now than in the past. She said she believes people are becoming aware of health risks they are vulnerable to if they do not exercise.

Walking and running are types of exercises which can be helpful, Hannah said.

"It doesn't mean you have to go lift a big bar," she said.

Hannah said exercise helps prevent injuries and can make you feel refreshed. "I feel bad if I don't exercise," she said. "It just makes you feel better."

Jennifer Danner, a Ducktown, Tenn., senior, said exercise has become an important part of her lifestyle. "I have to make it a priority or else I'm going on a downhill spiral," she said.

Danner said she exercises to better her health. "It's not about looks, it's about the way you feel," she said. "I just feel like I'm getting in the best shape I've ever been in."

William Tate, a Chattanooga freshman, said he thinks it is important to keep healthy and keep your body in shape.

"A lot of people run," he said. "It gets your heart rate going."

Ryan Acuff, an Alcoa, Tenn., post-bachelor student, said he has returned to school to get a physical education endorsement to broaden his teaching range along with his Bachelor of Arts in education.

"Physical activity is important for people's health," Acuff said. "It helps prevent cardiovascular diseases and minimizes obesity."

Acuff said someone who is just beginning to exercise should start with walking or jogging, then gradually increase their exercise to more strenuous activities.

"It's not necessary to exercise vigorously just as long as you're doing something on a regular basis," Acuff said.

Demetrius Sain, a UTC alumnus from East Jackson, Tenn., said he works out four or five times a week. He said he alternates working different muscle groups each day.

"You shouldn't go five consecutive days because your body gets soar," Sain said. He said your body needs a rest day to allow it to recuperate.

Sain said he lifts weights to get bigger.

"I do it to stay in shape, of course," he said, "but I also do it to get a little bigger.

He said before he began working out regularly, he was skinny but now he has gained muscle weight.

"All added weight is not good. I wanted to add it the right way," Sain said.

"Physically, I feel the same," he said. "I think it helps me."

Sain said he thinks the facilities in Maclellan gym need to be managed to prevent any more equipment from being stolen. "The upkeep needs to be a lot better," he said.

Sain said he hopes when the new wellness center is completed, the weights and other equipment will be monitored more closely than the current weight room facility.

Rachel Mynatt, an Alcoa, Tenn., senior, said she is a movement science major. "Exercise is important in my major because that's what it is, basically," she said. "It is the science of exercise."

Mynatt said exercise gives her energy. "It makes you feel good and you stay healthy," she said.

Exercise is good for your overall health, Mynatt said.

"It helps your heart and muscles," she said. "It helps keep everything running smoothly.